Sheffield United double boost ahead of Sheffield Wednesday clash is "huge" - It will "raise the levels" | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit gives their verdict on the return of Gus Hamer and Ollie Arblaster in time to face Steel City rivals

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has confirmed that his midfield pair Gus Hamer and Ollie Arblaster are expected to be fit in time to face Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough later this month.

In terms of recent form, it seemed as though Sheffield United had turned a corner at the end of October with back-to-back wins against Watford and Blackburn.

However, three losses in a row following picking up six points have led the red side of Sheffield to be nowhere near where they set out to be.

Even after a change in manager and heavy movement in the summer transfer window, the Blades are certainly stuck in a rut, and with fans yet to see the best of their marquee signings as well as their established best this current campaign, there hasn't been much to get excited about at Bramall Lane.

But one piece of good news which could flip their season on its head is Blades boss Chris Wilder confirming the return of the midfield duo, Gus Hamer and Ollie Arblaster, in time to face their better rivals Sheffield Wednesday later in November, according to The Star.

Hamer's injury has been more short-term than his midfield compatriot, having sustained a knee injury that has kept him out of action since early October, and as for Arblaster, the 21-year-old will soon be back in the fray after being sidelined since last November with an ACL injury.

Chris Wilder handed 'huge boost' over the injury returning Gus Hamer and Ollie Arblaster

The pair's imminent return certainly hands Wilder a huge boost going forward, as their presence can stabilise the midfield, which has been an area of weakness so far this season for the manager.

With Sydie Peck being very much a 90-minute man for the Blades in the duo's absence, who partners Peck has been up for debate with Jairo Riedewald commonly filling the void, as well as the young Djibril Soumare.

Football League World's Sheffield United fan pundit, Jimmy (aka Blades Ramble), believes that the return of Hamer and Arblaster will give the Blades the best chance of putting points on the board and especially a chance of getting one up on their Steel City rivals later this month.

Jimmy said: "It's a huge boost for us and, hopefully, it's a huge boost for the rest of the team.

"I think Ollie Arblaster will be eased back in just because of the nature of his injury and how long he's been out.

"But Gus Hamer, everybody knows at this level what he can bring. He was the EFL Championship Player of the Year last season, and on his day he's the best in the league for my money, so you always want him available.

"Hopefully just the boost of these two being back in and around the team can lift the rest of the players and raise the levels around the club.

"It's obviously a huge game for the football club. One that neither side wants to lose, and wants to win by any means necessary.

"So, huge, huge, fixture. Delighted that those two are back and available for it, and let's hope for a Sheffield United win at Hillsborough."

Gus Hamer and Ollie Arblaster provide Chris Wilder with much-needed midfield reinforcements

As the league table stands, many could've predicted that Sheffield Wednesday would have a relegation battle on their hands due to ownership problems and the youthful squad at their disposal.

However, very few could've predicted both Sheffield clubs to be in and around the drop zone at this stage of the season, especially after the Blades narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs last season.

It's cliché, but the Steel City derby will be a real six-pointer like no other, and whilst both sides have lacked confidence and consistency in the 2025/26 Championship season, when it comes to a local derby, both teams will have that little bit more fighting spirit that has been lacking so far, due to wanting those bragging rights regardless of the quality of performance that has been on offer prior to their 23rd November.

For Sheffield United, having Hamer and Arblaster back in their armoury will be a huge boost for everyone involved with the club and will give them the confidence to come away with a needed three points in the Steel City derby.

When the midfield pair are at the top of their game, it quite often translates onto the rest of the team, and with the Blades in dire need of a key orchestrator to change their fortunes, both Hamer and Arblaster can be those players.

If they can produce to the levels that Sheffield United and Wednesday fans, for that matter, know that they can do, their presence in the engine room could prove too much for Henrik Pedersen’s side.