Sheffield United's season has potentially hit a snag with the news that star defender John Egan has returned early from international duty.

The big defender has injured his calf, and will return from duty with the Republic of Ireland early to aid his recovery at Bramall Lane, where he will hope to fit for next weekend's trip to relegation battlers Rotherham United.

However, if Egan is not to be fit and is set to miss out on some part of the season, then it represents a big chance for some players in the United squad to step in and stake their own claim to be given a more regular place in Chris Wilder's starting XI.

With that thought in mind, we at FLW took a look at the Blades squad and identified TWO Sheffield United players who can step up to fill the void which could potentially be left by Egan's absence...

Richard Stearman

The former Wolves and Fulham defender was a rock last term but lost his place to Egan at the beginning of this term.

However, Stearman has remained ever the professional and is perfectly capable of stepping in and doing just as good a job for the Blades.

Stearman would walk into plenty of other sides in the league, and United can count themselves lucky.

Jake Wright

The former Oxford man is a firm fan favourite at Bramall Lane thanks to his excellent winning record when playing at Bramall Lane, and he is now close to a return to first team action.

Wright is dependable, and while he might not have the quality of Egan, he does a job and is someone who Chris Wilder trusts.

Expect Wilder to call on Wright if he needs to in the coming weeks.