Speaking to the Sheffield Star, Chris Wilder has insisted that Ched Evans will return from injury a better player, after the Sheffield United striker was forced into having an operation.

Evans arrived back at Bramall Lane for a second spell over the summer transfer window, but has struggled to make a major impact on his return to South Yorkshire.

Wilder has limited the striker to just two starts across all competitions this season, with the Welshman yet to add to the 48 goals he scored in a previous spell with the Blades.

An ankle issue has limited Evans’ opportunities, but with a lengthy list of injuries to the Blades’ strikeforce, the 28-year-old has played through the pain.

However, with the likes of Clayton Donaldson and Billy Sharp returning to fitness, Evans has undergone a minor operation on his ankle, which Wilder hopes will help the striker rediscover his best, he said: “We’ll get Ched sorted.

“It’s a clean-up job, just to tidy things up. Once that’s done, and we get him up to speed again, then he’ll be able to do himself justice.”

The Blades have had a week away from Championship action, but return this weekend when they welcome Ipswich Town to Bramall Lane.

Wilder has overseen an impressive start to life back in the second-tier, with his side heading into this weekend’s fixtures in third, behind only Cardiff City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Verdict

Evans’ commitment during the opening fixtures of the season cannot be questioned, with it now known he has been playing through an ankle injury.

Sheffield United have taken the sensible option by sending Evans for an operation now Wilder’s strikeforce is starting to return to fitness.

Evans’ start to the season has been slow, which is now understandable, but when he recovers from his operation, Sheffield United’s supporters will expect to see an improved player.

Sheffield United fans… Let us know your thoughts!