Sheffield United have received a major boost this morning, with confirmation that Kieron Freeman’s injury is not as bad as first feared and that the defender will play again in 2017, reports the Sheffield Star.

Freeman dislocated his knee in Saturday’s victory over Ipswich Town, and left the field on a stretcher, with initial fears that the defender would be ruled out for the remainder of the 2017/18 campaign.

However, Chris Wilder has confirmed that Freeman, who has made nine appearances across all competitions this season, will only be out of action for six to eight weeks, meaning the likelihood is that he will be available again before the turn of the year.

The 25-year-old is still set for further assessment, but Wilder and the Blades are delighted with the latest update.

Freeman picked up the injury during the first-half of Saturday’s clash with Ipswich, but Wilder’s side still managed to pick up all three points thanks to Chris Basham’s second-half goal. That 1-0 victory helped the Blades keep pace with the automatic promotion places, trailing second placed Cardiff City on goal difference.

Sheffield United are back in action this Saturday, when they welcome Reading to Bramall Lane.

The Verdict

This is a huge boost for Sheffield United, and Wilder will be delighted that Freeman will be able to play a part for the Blades later in the season.

His immediate absence is a blow, but in the coming months, the 25-year-old will undoubtedly have a major impact at Bramall Lane.

Freeman has been key to helping Wilder’s side enjoy a magnificent start to the season, and if the Blades are to maintain their place in the top-six, keeping a clean bill of health will be key.

Sheffield United fans… Let us know your thoughts!