Sheffield United’s Chris Basham has been backed by Chris Wilder following his suspension, with the Blades boss convinced his side can manage without the defender at Nottingham Forest at the weekend.  

Basham picked up his fifth booking of the campaign in Sheffield United’s 4-2 victory over Wigan Athletic on Saturday, with the 30-year-old now set to miss the clash with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon.

The defender has been ever-present in Sheffield United’s 15 fixtures so far this season, scoring two goals and impressing as the Blades have enjoyed a fine start to the season.

Wilder has been discussing the discipline of Basham, as well as how he feels his side will manage with the defender’s absence.

He told the Sheffield Star: “We make tackles.  

“We tell them to make tackles and we understand that with that comes bookings and suspensions. It's part of the game. Without Bash, we have enough to go into next week at Forest.”

Basham has been part of Wilder’s three-man defence for much of the season, with the 30-year-old alongside Jack O’Connell and Richard Stearman for the victory over Wigan.

John Egan is on the road to recovery following an injury setback, and if he is back to fitness it is likely that he will deputise for Basham in defence against Forest.

The Verdict  

Over a 46-game season you are going to get suspensions, so Basham’s discipline shouldn’t be called into question.

Wilder seems confident that the Blades can manage without the 30-year-old, but he has been key this season and will surely be missed.

Should Egan be fit, the Blades’ defensive unit will still look strong, but if the ex-Brentford ace isn’t available, it’ll be another blow.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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