Sheffield Wednesday face their local rivals at the weekend in the biggest game of the season so far, but Sheffield United will go into the game very likely missing one of their most important players.
Danny Rohl heads into his first Steel City derby with a trip to Bramall Lane on Sunday afternoon buoyed by the 2-0 win over Norwich on Tuesday night at Hillsborough.
The Wednesday manager has already made an ‘important’ demand of his players ahead of the clash with the Blades, and is clearly under no illusions as to how difficult this challenge will be.
But, while his squad came away from their midweek fixture full of confidence, their Sheffield counterparts have suffered a major blow in the form of an injury to one very influential player.
Kieffer Moore doubtful for Steel City derby game
United triumphed in the dying moments against Bristol City, with youngsters Ryan One and Harrison Burrows firing Chris Wilder’s side to a dramatic 2-1 win away from home.
Those three points did not come without a great cost, though, as the Blades boss has revealed his striker, Kieffer Moore, has picked up an injury that could keep him out of the derby at the weekend.
Speaking to The Star, Wilder said: “He’s felt his calf. We’re not trying to dress anything up, we’ll assess him over the next 24/48 hours but it’s not looking great at the moment.
“I’m not trying to play mind games or anything, we can’t hide that. He’s a warrior, he’s been bashed about and he’s really unfortunate with his landing after he’s gone up.”
Sheffield Wednesday must fear Sheffield United’s squad depth
It is now thought Moore will be assessed by the club’s medical staff over the next 24-48 hours to determine the severity of his injury and how it will impact squad selection for the next game.
But, before Wednesday fans start to celebrate the fact their rivals could be missing a game-changing player, it’s important to remember the options available to Wilder in the attacking department.
18-year-old forward, Ryan One, made all the difference for the Blades when he took to the field against Bristol City and could be in line to start the Steel City derby.
Rhian Brewster and Tyrese Campbell are also options for United, and Wilder has insisted whoever he chooses, his squad will have to “step up to the plate” and get through the upcoming “test” against Wednesday.