Sheffield United will be boosted by the return of Leon Clarke this weekend, with the striker set to be in contention against Preston North End.

Clarke missed Sheffield United’s 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City with a back problem, but has recovered and is back in contention this weekend.

James Shield from the Sheffield Star has tweeted that Clarke will be back, with Chris Wilder issuing a message via the journalist confirming the striker has been back training.

This season, Clarke has been in terrific form, with the 33-year-old scoring 18 Championship goals and registering a further four assists for the Blades, who have made a big impact on their return to the second-tier.

Clarke has helped Wilder’s squad compete for the play-offs for most of the season, but last weekend’s defeat to Birmingham has left the Blades facing an almost impossible task to get back in top-six contention.

Sheffield United welcome Preston to Bramall Lane this weekend sitting in 11th, five points adrift of the play-off zone.

Preston’s visit to Bramall Lane is the penultimate game of the season, with Wilder’s squad heading to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City in the final game of the 2017/18 campaign.

The Verdict

Clarke was missed last weekend against Birmingham, with the result at St Andrew’s a damaging one to Sheffield United’s play-off hopes.

There’s still a chance to finish the season on a positive note and Clarke returning will help do that.

The striker’s impact this season can’t be underestimated, he has been terrific and having him available to face Preston will please Wilder.

Sheffield United fans… Let us know your thoughts!