Sheffield United midfielder Jamie Shackleton will miss the upcoming Championship match against Bristol City after suffering another injury setback. Blades manager Chris Wilder confirmed the news this week, dealing a blow to his midfield options ahead of the fixture.
Shackleton has faced a difficult spell with injuries since joining the club two summers ago. Wilder noted the player keeps picking up minor issues and is more frustrated than anyone about his inability to contribute regularly. "He’s had a difficult period," Wilder said. The manager added that the club is working with Shackleton and the medical team to get him back available.
Wilder’s view on availability
Wilder reiterated his past stance on player availability, suggesting Shackleton’s situation contrasts with those he has previously criticised. He has been vocal in the past about players who do not want to be injured, framing Shackleton's persistent problems as a source of frustration for the player himself.
The news comes as Bristol City prepare to face Sheffield United again after a narrow 1-0 defeat just days ago. Oliver Arblaster's fifth-minute goal decided that match at Ashton Gate, leaving City 16th in the Championship table with 14 points from 11 games. Their recent form shows two consecutive losses, including that result and a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn. That defeat to Blackburn came via a 38th-minute goal from Oladapo Afolayan. In their last five matches, City's form is two wins, one draw, and two losses, but they have lost the last two. Their season record stands at four wins, two draws, and five losses, with 12 goals scored and 15 conceded.
Looking beyond this fixture, Bristol City's next challenge is an away trip to face sixth-placed Stoke City on Saturday 24 October. The Robins are nine points adrift of early leaders Swansea City.
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