Leeds United have a big game coming up against Sunderland, but another huge match is just around the corner. Leeds will face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on 24th February in what could be a season-defining clash.
Sheffield United have now moved to the top of the Championship table after beating Luton 1-0 on Saturday.
Leeds now have a game in hand, which will be played against Sunderland at Elland Road on Monday night. That game will be a big challenge, but the match against Sheffield United could be even bigger.
Sheffield United Get Big Boost With Key Players Back
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has confirmed that some of his key players will be back for the match against Leeds. One of the biggest names is Gustavo Hamer. The midfielder, who was born in Brazil, has been a key player for The Blades this season.
He has been involved in 12 goals and was even a target for Leeds last summer, but their £13m bid was rejected.
Hamer was missing from Sheffield United’s last match against Luton because of a hamstring problem. However, Wilder has now confirmed that Hamer will be fit and ready to face Leeds.
He said, “I was never in the mindframe of risking Gus today because of his fatigue in his hamstring.”
Two More Sheffield United Players Return
It’s not just Hamer who will be back. Wilder has also confirmed that strikers Tom Cannon and Kieffer Moore will be fit for the Leeds game.
Cannon was not quite ready for the match against Luton, but Wilder said that he would have been fit if the game was played 48 hours later. Moore has now had a full week of training and will be ready to play as well.
Wilder explained, “All three will be available for next week. With Tom we just didn’t have enough time. If the game was 48 hours later and we were playing Monday or Tuesday then he’d have been fit but we made a decision.”
He also added, “Kieffer’s had a week of work, we could have put him on the bench but we felt there was more benefit for him to have a full week’s training and then he’s got another eight days in the lead up to the Leeds game.”
Leeds Have a Tough Challenge Ahead
Leeds United will need to be at their best when they face Sheffield United. The Blades have struggled with injuries in recent months, but now their squad is looking much stronger. With Hamer, Cannon, and Moore all fit, Sheffield United will be a big threat.
However, Leeds have been in great form defensively. They have kept six clean sheets in a row and will be looking to continue that against The Blades. Leeds will also be boosted by the fact that only Patrick Bamford and Max Wober are missing due to injury.
With so much on the line, this match could be one of the most important of the season. A win for Leeds would be a huge step towards promotion, but Sheffield United will be just as determined to take all three points.
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