Iliman Ndiaye is expected to return to Championship action for Sheffield United this weekend.

The Blades face league champions Fulham, with a victory needed to secure a play-off place.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side are inside the top six, but face final day pressure from the likes of Middlesbrough and Millwall.

Fortunately for the 44-year-old, Ndiaye is set to be available after coming off in conspicuous circumstances in last week’s win against QPR.

However, Heckingbottom has assured supporters that the forward was just suffering from the difficult preparations involved in playing while practicing Ramadan.

The forward has three goals in his last four appearances, but struggled to compete 90 minutes at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium due to having had no food or water in the build-up to the QPR game, as part of his religious beliefs.

But the Blades boss has shrugged off any injury concerns to claim he will be available this weekend.

“He had cramp. Nothing serious. He’d put a lot in and what he’d been doing, it put a strain on his body,” said Heckingbottom, via Sheffield Star.

With Ramadan now over, Ndiaye is back to following the same nutritional plans as his teammates.

United will need the forward at his best for the final game of the regular season as he looks to help the team secure a play-off place.

The Verdict

Sheffield United will be glad that the Cottagers secured their league title already and will be hoping Marco Silva’s side are still feeling the effects of their celebrations.

But the Blades’ destiny is in their own hands for the final game of the season, which is where any club wants to be going into the end of a campaign.

Their task remains very simple in that respect, all they have to do is win and not worry about any other result.

Ndiaye’s performances lately have played a huge role in that position they now find themselves in, with his recent goals proving crucial to the team’s season.