Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom says midfielder Tommy Doyle missed his side's 0-0 draw with Rotherham United on Saturday, due to a calf injury.

Having joined the Blades on a season-long loan from Manchester City back in the summer transfer window, Doyle has been a regular and important feature for the club this season.

The 21-year-old has made 22 appearances in all competitions for Heckingbottom's side, scoring once and providing four assists to help them to second in the current Championship standings.

However, the City loanee was absent from the matchday squad, as Sheffield United were held to a goalless draw by the Millers at the New York Stadium on Saturday.

Now it seems as though that is down to fitness reasons, rather than any tactical decision made by Heckingbottom.

Explaining why Doyle did not feature against Rotherham, the Blades boss told The Sheffield Star: “Tommy’s feeling his calf. He didn’t train all week, and we decided not to use him.”

It remains to be seen exactly how long that setback is set to keep Doyle out of action for.

The Verdict

This may be something of a concern for those of a Sheffield United persuasion.

Doyle has been a hugely important figure for the Blades so far this season, becoming a reliable and effective presence in the centre of the park for Heckingbottom's side.

As a result, they are not going to want to lose his influence for too long, meaning you imagine they will be keen to get further updates on this as soon as possible.

Indeed, given Doyle has made this move to Bramall Lane with the view to playing regular first-team football, he woo will obviously be desperate to get back fit and playing sooner rather than later.