Paul Heckingbottom provides injury update on Sheffield United defender Chris Basham

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom is hopeful that defender Chris Basham can make a swift recovery from his knee injury.

Basham has missed the Blades ’ last two matches after picking up a MCL injury in the 4-0 victory over Swansea City at Bramall Lane earlier this month.

The 33-year-old currently has his knee in a brace as the club look to avoid aggravating the injury in any way possible.

Speaking after the 1-0 defeat at Millwall on Saturday, Heckingbottom confirmed Basham will not have to go under the knife and is hopeful he can be eased back in if he makes recovers quickly.

He said: "Bash is in a brace at the minute trying to keep his leg straight and take all the risk out of it. Hopefully he gets a quick recovery. No need for an operation or anything like that, we'll keep him progressing and bit by bit as he is able to do things we'll integrate him back in."

Basham has played a vital role in Sheffield United’s surge back into the play-off picture in recent weeks, playing every minute of every game under Heckingbottom until his injury.

Under former boss Slavisa Jokanovic, Basham was reduced to a more bit-part role than he has been used to in recent seasons – starting as a substitute on several occasions.

However, since Heckingbottom reverted to United’s more familiar three at the back system, Basham has helped the side record six clean sheets in seven matches.