Wilder eyes defender signing after O’Connell knee injury
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder hopes to sign a defender after confirming that Jack O’Connell is likely to be out for the season with a knee injury.
The 26-year-old was absent on Sunday afternoon as the Blades slipped to a 1-0 home defeat against Yorkshire rivals Leeds at Bramall Lane.
The club announced on their Twitter account before kick-off that O’Connell needed an operation and after the match Wilder shed some more light on the matter.
“Jack O’Connell is possibly out for the season. He will have an operation and we are looking at six months minimum,” said the Blades boss.
“He was having discomfort and some issues with his knee and from a long-term point of view it was not good for him to carry on how it was.
"He’s an important part so we need to cover that situation.
“I’ve spoken to the owners, as obviously we’ve known this for two or three days and we need to bring someone in that position.
"We are light and can’t solely rely on Jack Robinson playing that position all the way through.
“I’ve highlighted a couple of players and hopefully the board will agree with my assessment that we need to strengthen.”
On the pitch, Wilder saw his side’s losing start to the new season continue after Patrick Bamford’s late header.
The 27-year-old nodded home Jack Harrison’s cross after 88 minutes, finding the net for the third straight Premier League game since Leeds’ promotion back to the top flight.
At the other end, Illan Meslier also shone between the posts for the visitors in a match that looked destined to finish goalless until Bamford struck.
Newcastle rescued an injury-time point against Tottenham entirely against the run of play from the penalty spot after another controversial handball decision.
Spurs could have been 5-0 up if they had taken their chances by the time Andy Carroll headed a cross against Eric Dier's arm from close range. The decision was made after video assistant referee consultation.
Callum Wilson stepped up to score the penalty with practically the last kick - and Spurs boss Jose Mourinho walked down the tunnel in disgust. Lucas Moura had put Spurs ahead at the back post from a low cross by Harry Kane, the England striker's fifth assist in two league games.