Sheffield United given injury boost as defender returns to training ahead of Middlesbrough clash

Sheffield United defender George Baldock has returned to training after missing the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on Friday.

The 28-year-old has been nursing a knee problem and was left out of the squad entirely, despite the lack of senior alternatives in the squad.

Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom has confirmed Baldock has returned to training but did not commit to declaring him fit for the visit of Middlesbrough.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Heckingbottom said: "We've had him on the grass with us today, which is great. I'm not saying he's playing but we're pleased [with] where he is.

"We know we're light on numbers but nothing's really changed from the last game other than getting George back."

Versatile midfielder Ben Osborn has already been welcomed back into the fold and featured as a substitute against Forest having missed 10 consecutive league games through injury.

Although he expressed delight at his return, Heckingbottom has admitted the club will err on the side of caution.

He said: "We can't be throwing him in because he's coming back from quite a long lay-off with a hamstring injury and we need to be careful of that.

"The dilemma is we are that light on numbers that we take a risk with a player who's been out who is still a risk, and then we end up losing them for the season along with the rest of the players and we can't do that.

"[We're] delighted to have him back training, delighted to have him involved in the squad."

Teenager Femi Seriki deputised for Baldock in front of the Sky Sports cameras, making his first Championship start in what proved to be a baptism of fire.

With his senior options depleted, Heckingbottom revealed it was a choice between Seriki and his under-23s teammate Joe