Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has issued an encouraging injury update has he prepares his side to host local rivals Leeds United at Bramall Lane on Saturday afternoon. 

The Yorkshire derby will be new Leeds boss Paul Heckingbottom's first match in charge of the Whites and he has no shortage of absentees to contend with.

However, Wilder has to deal with the absence of goalkeeper Simon Moore, who was shown a straight red card in last weekend's thrashing at the hands of runaway leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That blow will be softened by the news that fellow stopper Jamal Blackman, on loan at the club from Chelsea, is back with the squad and could well feature in Saturday's match.

Blackman has not featured in the first team since the defeat to Millwall at the start of December but in the absence of Moore, the closer his return to contention is, the better for Wilder.

The Verdict

If Blackman comes through his assessment, it might be one where he is thrown back into contention a little earlier than he would have been ordinarily because of the absence of Moore.

Leeds will certainly be looking to make the most of any rustiness if that is the case.

Sheffield United fans - what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below...