Sheffield United forward Ben Brereton Diaz and full-back George Baldock will return to contention for the visit of Arsenal in the Premier League on Monday, manager Chris Wilder says.
Baldock has not played this year and Brereton Diaz has been out since February 3 but Wilder says both trained on Wednesday and expressed his “delight” at adding their experience to the Blades’ attempt to make up an 11-point gap to safety with 12 matches remaining.
Wilder also said an on-field row between Vini Souza and Jack Robinson, in which a VAR check for violent conduct took place after the pair argued and appeared close to a physical confrontation during United’s 1-0 defeat at Wolves on Sunday, has been dealt with.
“I understand it was close and a massive talking point for media maybe outside of Sheffield but it was not much of a talking point for myself or anyone at the football club,” said Wilder.
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“It made me laugh because the second story down after that on Sky Sports was two NHL ice hockey players taking the gloves off and smashing each other to bits for 10 minutes.
“It wasn’t quite that intensity but, for me, it’s not an issue as long as it got put to bed straight away.”
Souza and Robinson incident ‘not a good image’
“As a player and manager, here at Sheffield United there have been plenty of those situations,” reflected Wilder.
“There’s the spotlight of the Premier League and we don’t want it to happen. It’s not a good image, I get that – it was too close to comfort.
“But you know what side I’m going to come out on it. It was two boys who want to do well.
Sheffield United pair VinÃcius Souza and Jack Robinson have a swipe at each other! ???????? pic.twitter.com/LSpyPPXqKP
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 25, 2024
“Did it get us going? I’m not sure because I thought we were alright anyway. But we put it to bed, these things happen and we move on.”
Arsenal could have the chance to go top with victory at Bramall Lane if Liverpool and Manchester City both fail to win their preceding games over the weekend.
£18 million summer signing Cameron Archer has “no timescale” on his return from a calf injury, Wilder said, adding that he would be surprised if the striker is available before mid-March.
