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The plans of Sheffield United for the 2024-25 season of the Championship have already been dealt with a blow, as two of its most experienced squad members will not be available to play the first match against Bristol City due to injury. New boss Ruben Selles confirmed that midfielders Tom Davies and Jamie Shackleton are both out due to stints on the sidelines just before the new season begins.
Tom Davies, a player that had a bit-part existence in the previous season has an injury which was acquired after a recent training exercise in Girona during pre-season. That means that he has been ruled out of about a month effectively sidelining him as far as Blades curtain-raiser on August 9 is concerned. In the meantime, Jamie Shackleton, recently acquired by Sheffield United in the summer after leaving Leeds United, is likely to be also absent during that time, which shuns some concerns regarding the capabilities of the club in the midfield next season.
Selles, addressing the situation just before the club will perform in a series of pre-season friendlies, also admitted that the injuries were not the best time, given that he is trying to instill a new tactical approach in his first pre-season in the club.
“It’s frustrating,” he said. We are trying to push the players that we have in order to be fit and it is unfortunate that Tom got a knock at Girona. He is likely to be out for about four weeks. Jamie has also acquired a problem and we are closely watching him.”
This early setback restricts the midfield at the disposal of Selles, as they prepare to undertake an ambitious campaign in the Championship, with Sheffield United desperate to achieve automatic promotion after the agony of defeat in the play-off final, last campaign, with Sunderland.
Davies’ Injury Timeline Raises Concerns
Appeared just 13 times in the league last season, just six as a starter. The ex-Everton player had wished to play a bigger part this time. Not only will his injury frustrate his efforts to fit into the programmes of Selles but may also be a setback to his position to play in a regular first team.
Selles wrote that the rigor of their training has been selected specifically to be rigorous, and that the three goals of the camp were to become fitter, and better tactically aware. The strategy however seems to have come at a cost as some players especially Davies have paid a heavy price.
“He’s unlucky,” Selles said. We are pushing the team to be at our level of performances and the body reacts accordingly. All that is relevant now is the correct recovery and that he remains fit long-term.”
Jamie Shackleton has been signed to offer power and flexibility in the offensive midfield and at the full-backs. This skill set which enabled him to cover more than one position was therefore a valuable attribute in his summer-tainment. However, because of his interrupted pre-season, it will take some time before the new signing is able to play in competitive matches.
Staff at the club are hoping that his setback is not something long term, but Selles said he is doubtful whether he will be fit to play the Bristol City match.
Sydie Peck Boost Offers Some Relief
With the bad news some good news was proclaimed by Selles. Junior Sydie Peck, who had a minor injury at the beginning of pre-season, will be back within the nearest time. The academy graduate has been a stand out in training and has a possibility of appearing in the next friendly.
We did not start camp until Sydie had a late knock, said Selles. He has been training quite well in the recent days and we hope to use him in the next game. He has potential and he might have a role this season.”
Although both Davies and Shackleton should not miss much more than a month, it is possible that their lack of participation at the most valuable stage of pre-season will interfere with team chemistry and form. The two players will be absent in future friendlies and pre-planned tactical training.
Sheffield United will host Bristol City on 9 th August as the time is set to kick off at 5:30 PM. Losing two of his midfielders and being doubts in the same match, Selles has to have other options. The club can resort more to older players like Oliver Norwood or young members of the club like Andre Brooks to bridge the gap.
With Selles still in the process of molding the squad to his preferred style, fitness concerns have emerged sooner than later. The period that is coming will test the depth of the squad as well as the flexibility of adapting to new situations under the new manager.
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