Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder spoke confidently of his squad in his press conference ahead of their away game in Oxford tomorrow afternoon.
He announced this morning that midfielder Vinicius Souza will be fully fit ahead of the game, after missing the last three games through an injury sustained at home to Preston.
Right back Jamie Shackleton is also returning from a foot injury that’s side-lined him since December, while Tom Davies and Harry Clarke are also expected to be back in the coming weeks.
“We’re in a good spot” Wilder said. “For us to be in this situation with Arblaster, Souttar… playing through long team injuries is a great achievement.”
Next up, our first visit to the Kassam Stadium since 2017 ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/Orcn4JuB1s
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He also commented on the race for automatic promotion spots which see three points separating United, Leeds and Burnley, They’re relishing the opportunity to get back into the Premier League.
“Its a fantastic tussle between three really big clubs in this division. It’ll need an almighty push from everyone.”
“We’ve had to fight all season, I’ve had to fight for everything in my career, it’s not been given to us by a chequebook and we’ve earnt our success.”
Wilder also held a lot of praise for Oxford manager Gary Rowett ahead of the clash.
“He’s an incredibly competitive and experienced manager that’s gone in and won games at the start.” he said when asked about Rowett.
“It’ll be a massive achievement for them to stay in the division.”
The Blades manager also held high praise for an in form Rhian Brewster.
The striker has disappointed since his £23.5 million move due to injury and a sporadic period of game time, but is enjoying his best period in a United shirt, something Wilder had a respect for.
“The place that he’s in is really good at the minute and he can kick on. I don’t think the man on the street, the regular supporter, knows just what he’s gone through.
“Everyone internally looks at him and nobody’s got a bad word for him. Everybody wants him to succeed.”
They’ll take on Oxford at three o clock tomorrow at the Kassam Stadium, with a win that could extend their lead at the top to up to 5 points.