“As I’ve Said, It’s Not A Criticism…” – Gaffer Explains Thought Process With Absence of Sheffield United Man | OneFootball

Sheffield United made it three consecutive pre-season victories with a comfortable 2-0 win over Rotherham United last Saturday afternoon, but the absence of Harrison Burrows and Tyrese Campbell did not go unnoticed by supporters.

With transfer speculation surrounding Burrows and Campbell continuing to battle fitness issues, many fans were left wondering why neither featured against the Millers. Speaking after the game, however, Chris Wilder was quick to explain the situations surrounding both players and his comments should ease concerns over Burrows while also offering an honest assessment of where Campbell currently stands.

Chris Wilder Reveals Why Burrows Hasn’t Played in Recent Pre-season Games

Addressing Burrows’ absence first, Wilder revealed that the left-back had been left out purely as a precaution after picking up a minor issue in training, he told SUTV.

“No [Burrows], he missed out with a tight quad. So he missed Tuesday, no gambles on him, so it’s good for [McCallum], he’s not played a lot of football obviously. He was out for a long time last season so to get 80 minutes in him was good. He was a big player for us last year [before the season-ending injury].”

Reports have linked the attacking full-back with West Ham United, and his absence from the squad immediately sparked speculation among sections of the fanbase that a transfer could be imminent.

Instead, the manager simply chose not to take any unnecessary risks during pre-season, particularly with the Championship campaign now edging ever closer. There is little sense in aggravating what appears to be a minor muscle complaint in a friendly fixture, especially when it also provided Sam McCallum with valuable minutes as he continues his own comeback from the serious injury that curtailed an impressive campaign last season.

McCallum completed 80 minutes against Rotherham and looked increasingly comfortable as the game progressed, giving Wilder another positive selection headache heading into the opening weeks of the season.

Sheffield United Boss on Tyrese Campbell’s Absence

The situation regarding Tyrese Campbell is rather different. Rather than nursing an injury, Wilder admitted that the striker has been following an intensive fitness programme away from match action as the coaching staff attempt to build him up physically ahead of the new campaign.

“And Ty [Campbell] has worked away remotely. I need to get him into a physical condition where we have repeated runs because that’s the type of thing we want at the top of the pitch from our forwards; Tom [Cannon] does it, Ryan [Oné] does it. We need more out of [Campbell].

“It’s not a punishment, we just felt it was better to work him after the Huddersfield game; double session Thursday, double session Friday, and a session today, instead of him coming on today and getting 20 minutes or half an hour.

“So we have to work with him, his attitude has been good, so hopefully another couple more days on Monday or Tuesday will give us a better version of Ty and more of what I’m looking for. As I’ve said it’s not a criticism, we just need to get him to where I want him to be and not where another manager wants him to be.”

It is a refreshingly honest assessment from Wilder, who has made it clear that Campbell’s omission had nothing to do with discipline or dissatisfaction over his attitude.

The Sheffield United manager wants relentless running from the front, repeatedly pointing to Tom Cannon and Ryan Oné as examples of the physical output required. Wilder believes Campbell has the qualities to become a major weapon in his side, but only if he can consistently reach the physical levels demanded.

Campbell Has Struggled For Fitness in A Blades Shirt

Few supporters doubt his ability. When fully fit, the striker possesses electric pace, outstanding movement and an excellent first touch. In front of goal he is usually composed, capable of producing moments of real quality that few players in the Championship can match.

He has already delivered some unforgettable moments in a Blades shirt. His performances in the Steel City derbies have ensured his place in supporters’ memories, while his opening goal in the 2024/25 Championship play-off final remains one of the defining moments of that campaign, even if the afternoon ultimately ended in heartbreak.

Across his two seasons at Bramall Lane, Campbell has scored 16 goals and registered three assists. Yet there remains a feeling that there is considerably more to come. His biggest challenge has never been talent. It has been availability. Too often injuries and fitness setbacks have interrupted his rhythm just as he appears ready to establish himself as one of the Championship’s standout forwards.