AMID a fraught week for Sheffield United, there is at least one piece of positive news.
It surrounds Chris Wilder's latest update regarding the fitness of recent loan recruit Kalvin Phillips, who is closing in on a return to the first-team squad.
The former Leeds United and England midfielder's first loan spell earlier in the year at Bramall Lane was frustrating for all parties.
It was cut short by injury after just three appearances - and there are understandable concerns among Unitedites given his fitness record in recent campaigns.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Kalvin Phillips of Sheffield United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane on February 09, 2026 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)placeholder image
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 09: Kalvin Phillips of Sheffield United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United and Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane on February 09, 2026 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)
Frozen out by parent club Manchester City - he has two years left on his lucrative deal still to run - the 30-year-old has started just two games since April 2025.
Phillips' latest deal at United includes contractual contingencies.
For his part, Wilder retains hope that the Leeds-born player can get his career going in the right direction again in South Yorkshire and believes he has the capacity to become one of the best midfield operators in the Championship, if not the best.
On whether he could be involved in his matchday squad at Swansea City, Wilder confirmed: "He's close. We've been really impressed with how he's come back and the impact that I knew he'd have on the group with how he's trained and the quality he's shown.
Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield United during the Sheffield United vs Birmingham City Sky Bet Championship match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture: Simon Bellis / Sportimageplaceholder image
Chris Wilder manager of Sheffield United during the Sheffield United vs Birmingham City Sky Bet Championship match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture: Simon Bellis / Sportimage
"I'm not sure (if it's) next week or maybe the week after (to be in full contention to start), but we will have a good eight and a half months out of Kalvin and the effect on the group will be a really positive one.
"And (hopefully) for him having a bit of luck and staying injury-free and arguably pushing to - if he gets back to where he was - become one of the best midfield players in the division."
Meanwhile, Wilder has confirmed that attacking midfielder Louie Marsh will be loaned out before the end of the window, with Barnsley among those keen on signing him.
Marsh, 22, has had previous loan spells at Fleetwood Town, Falkirk and Doncaster Rovers.
Wilder added: "He needs to go out and play football. He's in that stage.
"There are clubs in for him. He's spoken to Barnsley and I should imagine before the window shuts that he will be out on loan and playing his football somewhere else.
"Hopefully for him it goes well, he scores a few goals and makes an impact in the team that he goes to and has that feel of first-team football.”
Marsh has made five competitive appearances for United, including four starts.