Sander Berge has played his last game of the season, Sheffield United interim manager Paul Heckingbottom confirmed.
The 23-year-old has recently returned to action after spending more than four months away with a hamstring injury. Your latest problem is not related to that issue. But Heckingbottom insists no risks will be taken with the club’s record-breaking former signing, with just three Premier League games.
“We won’t take any chances with Sander,” Heckingbottom said. “Let me emphasize, it has nothing to do with his previous injury, that is 100% fine and we are delighted with it.
“This is another drawback. Sander has struggled to be in shape and has played minutes and just caught other little downsides, it happens. The fact that he has been away for so long and has returned means that we will not push him.
“If he’s fit, then he’s fine, but at this stage of the season and with where we are, and because he’s been gone so long, we won’t risk it between now and the end of the season.”
Has been speculation that Premier League clubs might try to sign Berge after its descent. Hence it is feared that he played his last game with the club.
Berge is not the only player not to appear again this season after Heckingbottom also revealed that Oliver Burke fractured a bone in his foot.
“We have detected some discomfort and injuries,” added Heckingbottom. “We also have Burkey, who has a broken foot that will put him out of the season.
“With Burkey, you have to be guided by the scanners. Whenever you have a broken foot, they can be simple, put on a boot and they heal naturally, or there are some where you need an intervention, you need surgery and pins, things like that. The medical team will guide us in that.
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Burke is the latest player to see his season ended with injury and Heckingbottom admits he doesn’t know if the series of problems is a cause or consequence of the team’s struggles.
Burke joins fellow forwards Oli McBurnie and Billy Sharp to cut his season short. Long-term absent Ethan Ampadu (hip) and Jack O’Connell (knee) are likely to be in the same boat, as is Berge.
Outcome-linked injuries?
The relegated Blades play away at Everton on Sunday and Newcastle on Wednesday before completing their miserable home campaign against Burnley on May 23.
Heckingbottom said: “You want everyone to be fit and available, but we don’t have that. We move on, get other people to join the team, and work towards the next game.
“It’s the biggest correlation a team in trouble has ever had, injuries always increase. It is chicken and egg. I’m not really sure if the injuries lead to a drop in results or if the results lead to injuries with the mental aspect.
“We certainly have a good list of injuries and major injuries at that. We have had many surgeries this season and it is one of those seasons where nothing has gone well in that regard. “
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