Chris Wilder Offers “Disjointed” Verdict And Provides Injury Latest Ahead of Battle With West Brom | OneFootball

Sheffield United travel to the Midlands on Friday evening to take on mid-table West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns, with both sides arriving in noticeably different runs of form.

West Brom enter this fixture having won just once in their last five matches. Defensive issues have been a recurring theme, with eight goals conceded in their last three outings. Their most recent result, a 3-2 loss away at Southampton, highlighted their fragility at the back.

Ryan Mason may also be dealing with selection problems. Influential midfielder Alex Mowatt was forced off early in the defeat at St Mary’s and could miss out here. Jed Wallace is also a doubt, the experienced attacking midfielder having not featured since October.

Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United are enjoying a six-match unbeaten run, though they needed a late moment of brilliance from Michael Cooper to preserve it on Tuesday night. Norwich City almost stole all three points in the dying stages before the goalkeeper’s strong hand kept the scores level.

However, Wilder’s squad is still being tested by injuries and illness. Reflecting on Sydie Peck’s calf injury sustained last weekend, the manager admitted it “is not looking good.” He also confirmed that Jairo Riedewald and Sam McCallum missed the Norwich match through illness but are expected to return against West Brom. Mark McGuinness could again miss out due to an ankle issue.

Sheffield United Boss Provides Injury Update

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 09: Harrison Burrows of Sheffield United looks dejected following the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Norwich City at Bramall Lane on December 09, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Despite a disjointed performance in midweek, Wilder was encouraged by the return of Oliver Arblaster and Tahith Chong, both of whom delivered important contributions.

Wilder said in his pre-match press conference: “Sydie isn’t available which is a big deal because he has been outstanding. Tahith got a whack but he’s okay, he was down to do 60 minutes.

“The two major takeaways from the other night were Chongy and his performance having been out for around eight weeks, resulting in a great assist and it was fabulous for Danny [Ings] to score and obviously Blaster getting 60 minutes.

“It wasn’t an ideal situation, but from their mentality and how good a footballer they both are, their performances weren’t scruffy, they were full of quality, physically there is a lot of work to do, but it was massive takeaway on a difficult night.

“We’re really surprised to see how he [Arblaster] came through the hour, he wanted to stay, but he was never going to do that. We expected him to be a bit battered and bruised and fatigued but has come through and there are no issues at all with his knee, so we are delighted for Oli.”

Chris Wilder Offers “Disjointed” Verdict on Norwich Draw

Wilder also reflected on the wider performance: “You’ve seen the game, I’ve seen the game, 28,000 punters have seen the game. It was a disjointed performance. It lacked rhythm, it lacked a bit of energy. We’re having to put a team out there. As long as they leave everything out there, which they did, and as long as they show the ambition to try and turn the game from one each to 2-1, which they did, I’m okay with that. Ultimately it’s a game that anywhere near our best we would have put to bed pretty comfortably.”

Sheffield United have an opportunity to extend their unbeaten run to seven on Friday night against West Bromwich Albion. Getting players back from illness will be huge, especially with how influential both McCallum and Riedewald have been in recent weeks.