Sheffield United receive John Egan injury boost

The Blades' club captain has started all four of their Premier League matches so far, with Paul Heckingbottom's side only managing to earn a single point in their first quartet of contests.

That result arrived on Saturday afternoon at Bramall Lane against Sean Dyche's struggling Everton, who were unable to take maximum points back to Merseyside despite goals from Abdoulaye Doucoure and Arnaut Danjuma either side of the half-time whistle.

Egan featured for the entirety of the defeats against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and champions Manchester City, however the 30-year-old was forced off after 68 minutes on the weekend due to a knock.

The Irishman was replaced by veteran centre-back Chris Basham in United's backline with just over 20 minutes remaining, and the Premier League newcomers managed to hold on for their maiden point of the campaign.

Despite being substituted with an injury, Egan was named as part of Ireland's squad for Euro qualifiers against France and Netherlands during the season's first international break.

The defender was immediately sent by Stephen Kenny's men for a scan on his knee and ankle to determine the serious of his injury, however it is understood that the issue is not as bad as first feared.

Egan has since returned to training with his Irish's teammates, taking to the pitch in his homeland on Tuesday morning before turning out at Parc des Princes on Wednesday afternoon as Kenny's side step up their preparations for Thursday's clash with the 2018 World Cup winners.

Heckingbottom and everyone of a Sheffield United persuasion will be pleased that the centre-back is back in training following Saturday's knock, however the club will be hoping the issue is not reaggravated while on international duty.

Sheffield United already have a pair of long-term absentees within their defensive ranks, with Max Lowe and Ben Osborn sidelined due to ankle and groin injuries respectively.

The top-flight newbies moved late in the transfer window to recruit more backline options, seeing left-back Luke Thomas join from Championship club Leicester City on a season-long loan.

Should Egan be passed fit, the 30-year-old is fully expected to start for Kenny's side in Paris on Thursday night against France, with Ireland currently sitting third in their qualification group.

United will be hopeful that their captain will come through the international break unscathed, and subsequently ready to play a key part in the Blades' trip to Tottenham Hotspur on September 16.