Chris Basham update provided ahead of Sheffield United’s clash with Bournemouth

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has insisted that whilst he is happy with the progress that Chris Basham is making in his road to recovery, he has refused to put a timescale on when the defender will be ready to return to action.

Basham suffered an issue with his knee in February and has been forced to watch on from the sidelines for the club’s recent fixtures.

In the absence of the defender, the Blades have managed to produce some impressive performances in the Championship.

Victories over Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough, Barnsley and Queens Park Rangers at Bramall Lane have allowed Heckingbottom’s side to climb up to sixth in the second-tier standings.

The Blades will be looking to retain their spot in the play-off places this weekend by securing all three points in their showdown with AFC Bournemouth.

United know that they will have to be at their very best in this particular fixture as the Cherries are currently in the driving seat to secure the second automatic promotion spot in the Championship.

Ahead of this fixture, Heckingbottom has shared an update on Basham.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Post about whether a date has been set out regarding the defender’s return to senior action, Heckingbottom said: “There’s no timescale, but we’re happy with where he is.

“He’s happy too.

“He’s out twisting and turning, not flat out yet but it’s different to a muscle injury.

“The last thing he does will be block tackles and really striking a ball.

“So once he’s done that, he’ll be fit and available.”

The Verdict

Whereas there is still uncertainty regarding when Basham will feature again for the Blades in the Championship, the news that he is making progress is encouraging.

Providing that United are able to secure a