Sheffield United hopeful of fitness boost ahead of Newcastle game as manager slams fan for team news leak

John Fleck of Sheffield United could feature against Newcastle United.

Influential midfielder Fleck missed the controversial 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Wednesday night on the Blades' return to Premier League action after the coronavirus suspension.

The Scotland international sat out the game with a knock picked up in the friendly against Hull City, as did defender Jack O'Connell, but Wilder offered some encouraging news on the former.

However, the Blades boss revealed he was unhappy with the way the injury news was leaked in the build-up to the Villa clash.

“It was a huge blow to lose them both, we’re not a big powerful club and that’s not me pleading poverty, but we’re not a Manchester City who can just name a team an hour before a game - we have to prepare,” Wilder said.

“Flecky could be back and we’re waiting on Jack.

"But I’d like to say a big thanks to the Sheffield United fan who put it out on social media, because they clearly wanted to help their football club.

“Flecky goes in for a challenge in the last minute against Hull,” Wilder added. “That’s the competitor he is.

"Jack collided with Dean (Henderson) in the last minute of a training session.”

The Blades travel to St James’s Park on Sunday to face former manager Steve Bruce, whose Newcastle side will be playing their first game since March.