Speaking to the Sheffield Star, Chris Wilder has admitted that Sheffield United are struggling to get Ched Evans fully fit.

Controversial figure Evans returned to Bramall Lane at the start of the summer, bolstering Wilder’s attacking options ahead of their return to the Sky Bet Championship.

However, The Welshman has been unable to make an impact back in South Yorkshire during the early stage of the Championship season, with Evans failing to start a league fixture and making the starting XI on just one occasion in the Carabao Cup.

Wilder has now revealed that the Blades are struggling to get the 28-year-old fully fit, he said: “The situation with Ched is that we can’t get him up to full speed.

“We’ve seen cameos and glimpses. He’s not entirely happy with the situation, because he can’t really progress. He’s at about 75 per cent to 80 per cent.”

Evans has made four substitute appearances from the Blades’ opening five fixtures in the Championship, with the latest of those coming in the 3-1 victory over Derby County prior to last week’s international break.

That victory over the Rams lifted Wilder’s side into the Championship’s top-six, leaving the Blades with nine-points heading into the international break, following three victories and two defeats.

The Blades return to Championship action in the coming week with back-to-back fixtures away from Bramall Lane, where Wilder will be hopeful his side can build on their impressive start.

Saturday sees Wilder’s side visit Sunderland, before they then make the trip to the Macron Stadium on Tuesday to face Bolton Wanderers.

The Verdict

Evans’ return to Bramall Lane has been disappointing so far, but with Wilder’s comments, it is easy to see why the striker isn’t making a huge impact.

Billy Sharp has been in excellent goalscoring form so far this season, but the experienced striker will need support over the course of the campaign if the Blades are to be successful.

Wilder will want to get Evans fully fit, with the striker having the potential to be the man to support Sharp in the goalscoring department.

Sheffield United fans… Let us know your thoughts!