Sheffield United are continuing to make a big run at promotion this season, and despite being held by rivals Wednesday during their last outing, they remain in with a big shout.

However, the Blades have lost a few players to international duty, and that appears to have come back to bit them, with the Sheffield Star reporting that big defender John Egan is returning to Bramall Lane early thanks to a calf injury.

While it remains to be seen what the injury has in store in terms of time out away from the action, if Egan is to be missing for quite some time, then it could well have a massive impact on the Sheffield United season in general.

Egan has been in imperious form since arriving from Brentford in the summer, developing a great understanding at the back with the likes of Jack O'Connell and Chris Basham.

His presence in the middle of the back three at Bramall Lane has been one of the key reasons for United's form in the Championship, and losing him now would represent a huge blow to proceedings at Bramall Lane as Chris Wilder tries to guide the club into the top six.

Hopefully things won't be too bad for United and Egan, but then again this is the cost which comes with signing better quality players and competing at the top end of the table.

Blades fans, what do you think? Would Egan be a big loss if injured for a while? Let us know in the comments!