Sheffield United wait on Blackman and Clarke for Burton clash

Posted Friday, March 02, 2018 by PA

Sheffield United will check on goalkeeper Jamal Blackman and top scorer Leon Clarke before Burton’s visit.

The pair were forced off in the first half of Tuesday’s 3-1 victory at Reading and will be assessed ahead of the weekend but the Blades are hopeful their injuries are not serious.

Goalkeeper Simon Moore and forward Clayton Donaldson replaced Blackman and Clarke respectively in midweek and the duo are available to deputise again if necessary.

On-loan Manchester United striker James Wilson is expected to return to contention but David Brooks remains doubtful.

Burton boss Nigel Clough will run the rule over defenders Ben Turner, Tom Flanagan and John Brayford ahead of the trip.

Turner and Flanagan have not featured since Albion’s 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa on February 3 due to their respective calf injuries and while Flanagan could be named on the bench, Turner is likely to remain out.

Brayford is set to miss out against his former club after a recurrence of his calf injury saw him come off after 19 minutes against Millwall.

Damien McCrory replaced Brayford in that 1-0 defeat, making his return from a long-term injury, and he could feature once again.