Jamie Shackleton hit by fresh Sheffield United injury setback, Wilder cautious on loan | OneFootball

Jamie Shackleton has suffered a fresh injury setback at Sheffield United, with Chris Wilder acknowledging a difficult spell since his move from Leeds United.

The 26-year-old joined the Blades in summer 2024 but injuries and fitness issues have restricted him to 21 minutes across three substitute appearances, with his last outing at the end of October. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, he had been pencilled in for a return to training late last year.

Wilder said: “It’s a little bit of a setback, from Shacks’ point of view. He's had a real difficult time at the football club and it’s disappointing for him as well.”

There had been suggestions Shackleton could go out on loan, but Wilder stressed fitness comes first. He added: “First and foremost, we’ve got to get him back fit and be involved. Getting minutes and getting training for a period of time before anybody - and that's right across the board - is available for us or is available for, maybe, a loan to get themselves back playing.”

Shackleton has not featured since the end of October, and the focus remains on building training time before any decision on selection or a possible loan is considered.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk