Chris Wilder set to be handed big Sheffield United boost - it can help transform Blades' season | OneFootball

Ollie Arblaster's Sheffield United return is immanent to Chris Wilder's delight

Sheffield United and Chris Wilder are set to be handed a huge boost from an injury returner who could transform the Blades' season.

In terms of the league table, Sheffield United are nowhere near where they want to be, especially a dozen games into the season.

Sitting in the relegation zone at this current time is far from what was expected from the Blades after being tipped as promotion candidates prior to a ball being kicked.

A bitterly disappointing play-off final loss to Sunderland kicked off this time of turmoil, and even after a change in manager and heavy movement in the summer transfer window, the Blades are certainly stuck in a rut.

With fans yet to see the best of their marquee signings as well as their established best in Callum O'Hare and Gus Hamer, for example, Wilder is set to receive one piece of good news which could flip their season on its head.

The looming return of their young midfielder, Ollie Arblaster, is imminent after suffering an ACL injury last November. With the 21-year-old soon to be back in the fray, he could sure offer the stability Sheffield United need at this moment in time.

Chris Wilder handed huge midfield boost from returning Ollie Arblaster

It's been a long road to recovery for Sheffield United's Ollie Arblaster, having been sidelined for just under a year but looks set to be returning to action certainly before the new year.

Whilst it may take the England youth international some time to get back up to speed, having been off the grass for the best part of 12 months, his return will be massively welcomed by the Bramall Lane faithful.

Arblaster has already shown his worth a Red and White as the 21-year-old has formed a positive connection with the manager in the early stages of his career, as Wilder knows exactly what the academy graduate can offer. Wilder brought Arblaster back to the club from a loan spell at Port Vale and made his Premier League debut in March 2024, highlighting the trust the boss has in him to play at the highest level even with very little experience.

Despite facing the drop back to the Championship later that season, the first few months of the 2024/25 Championship campaign for Arblaster could be labelled as his breakout period. The midfielder quickly became one of the first names on the team sheet and started 11 of the Blades' opening 15 games prior to his ACL injury. The youngster was also handed the captain's armband in Jack Robinson's absence.

At the beginning of last season, Arblaster showed his calm nature on the ball that the Blades are in dire need of at this time. According to Fotmob, last season he clocked up a pass accuracy of 86.7% per 90, and created 2.03 chances per game too. That creative spark he provides has been dearly missed, first under Ruben Selles and now with Wilder.

Ollie Arblaster can steer Sheffield United's season back on track

The youngster made 12 Championship appearances last season in total, but made his mark in an attacking sense as he found the net twice as well as provided one assist, including a thunderous strike away to Norwich to earn themselves a hard-fought point at Carrow Road.

With Arblaster having shown what an integral cog he is in the Sheffield United machine, fans will be understandably itching for the 21-year-old to make a return to action sooner rather than later. However, after sustaining such a long-term injury, Wilder will know full well that he must be careful at managing his minutes.

As shown last season, in the few months that he did feature, his inclusion makes others around him elevate their game. Therefore, fast-forward to now, and his presence in the engine room may give the rest of his side a much-needed improvement.

In Arblaster's absence, fellow midfield partner Sydie Peck has naturally fallen into a more defensive role who has been their 90-minute man. Whereas the other spot in the Blades' midfield two has been up for debate as to who should fill the void. With new signing Jairo Riedewald playing his part in recent weeks, as well as Djibril Soumare, Arblaster's return would offer the Blades stability in the heart of the pitch as well as his youthful, energetic nature.