Coventry City v Sheffield United: One man’s misfortune is another’s opportunity as contenders seek to replace Ollie Arblaster
Amid the understandable dismay which has followed news of Ollie Arblaster’s unfortunate – and quite possibly season-ending – knee injury in the colours of his beloved Sheffield United, the unsentimental laws of the football jungle now come to the fore.
For those wishing to step into Arblaster’s shoes, there’s a window. Whether that be for Tom Davies, Sydie Peck or indeed Jamie Shackleton.
Just as there were opportunities in the engine room at nearby Leeds United following injuries sustained by Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev earlier this season
Certainly in terms of Davies, he would be entitled to feel that if there’s any justice knocking around in the football world, given his luckless time since moving to Bramall Lane, then his time might just arrive very soon.
The former Everton player, who joined the Blades in the summer of 2023 after rejecting the chance to stay at his boyhood club, made just nine appearances in an injury-ravaged maiden season at the club, including just two starts.
In a bid to get over his deep-seated problem in his hamstrings, the Liverpudlian visited a specialist in Germany in the close season.
Now, finally, Davies – who recently built his fitness up with a mini pre-season programme – feels ready. It could be his ‘time’ at long last.
Praising the attitude of Davies, who opened up earlier this autumn on his mental health struggles due to his injury issues, manager Chris Wilder said: “He’s a proper Premier League footballer.
“He came as one and it was a disappointing season for us as a club (last year) and importantly for Tom.
“Knowing his character, he’s a great lad and has a good character about him and a fabulous personality and is a really good footballer.
“He will take his time to get up to the pace of Championship football, but he will be involved at the weekend and that’s great news for us.”
On inheriting a ‘new player’ in essence, the Blades chief continued: “It certainly is (like that).
“The irony of it; we lose a good player and get a good player back.
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