Chris Wilder tipped to make Ollie Arblaster call at Sheffield United - it's 'not been an ideal situation' | OneFootball

FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit has given his verdict on recent criticism of midfielder Ollie Arblaster following his return from a lengthy absence.

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 will be looking to launch a late play-off push in the Championship in the second half of the season.

After a nightmare start to the season that saw them lose their first six games in all competitions, Sheffield United parted company with head coach Ruben Selles in September and brought Chris Wilder back to the club for a third spell, just 89 days after his controversial summer exit.

Wilder has guided the Blades away from relegation danger since his return, and despite the fact that his side currently sit 17th in the table, they are only eight points from the play-offs.

United brought in four new signings during the January transfer window to help bolster their promotion prospects, with Ki-Jana Hoever, Leo Hjelde, Kalvin Phillips and Joe Rothwell all checking in at Bramall Lane, but the arrival of the latter duo could be bad news for midfielder Ollie Arblaster.

Academy product Arblaster made a big impression after breaking into the Blades' first team last season, but he suffered a serious knee injury in the Steel City derby victory over Sheffield Wednesday in November 2024 that kept him out for over a year.

Arblaster has made 13 appearances since returning to fitness in December, with eight of those coming from the start, but he has come in for criticism from supporters in recent weeks, and he was taken off at half time of Monday's 2-1 home defeat to league leaders Middlesbrough.

Ollie Arblaster defence issued amid Chris Wilder, Sheffield United selection headache

When asked if Arblaster's place in the starting line-up is now under threat, FLW's Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy, from the YouTube channel Blades Ramble, admitted that the 22-year-old may no longer be a guaranteed pick each week after the club's recent transfer business, but he insisted he should not be judged too harshly on his recent performances after such a lengthy lay-off.

"Yes, I think it is (time to drop Arblaster), but there's context to it," Jimmy told FLW.

"Ollie Arblaster has returned from a 13-month injury lay-off, and because of our low numbers, had to come into the side early and before he was planned to return.

"I personally think that's had an effect on his form, and it could then have spilled into his confidence.

"It's really not been an ideal situation for Ollie.

"I think the fact we've now significantly strengthened in the centre of midfield will allow him time out of the team.

"I think he's a brilliant player and a brilliant prospect, but he just needs time to heal properly and be reintroduced to the first team in a more appropriate timeline."

Having favoured experience for much of his managerial career, Wilder has shown an increased willingness to give youth a chance at Sheffield United in recent times, and the 58-year-old will take pride in his role in Arblaster's development.

Wilder did not hold back in his defence of Arblaster amid supporter criticism last month, stating that the backlash he has received is "completely unjust", but he admitted that he may not rush a player back into action so quickly after a long absence next time.

Arblaster clearly still has the backing of his manager, but with Phillips and Rothwell adding to the Blades' already strong central midfield options, including the likes of Sydie Peck, Jairo Riedewald, Djibril Soumare and Tom Davies, Wilder may have the option to take him out of the firing line and allow him some extra recovery time.