Sheffield United caretaker boss Paul Heckingbottom is hopeful of welcoming back some key players from injury for Saturday's Premier League clash with Leeds United.

The Blades are 14 points from safety at the bottom of the table and have been without their three first-choice central defenders for parts of the campaign.

However, Heckingbottom - placed in charge until the end of the season following Chris Wilder's exit last month - believes that the injury list is clearing up.

John Egan is back in contention for the trip to Elland Road after recovering from a toe problem, while Enda Stevens is also back in training after pulling out of the Republic of Ireland squad.

Fellow defender Chris Basham missed the FA Cup quarter-final loss to Chelsea two weeks ago, but he is another who is expected to be okay to play a full part against Leeds.

Midfielder Sander Berge is still a few weeks away from a comeback, however, and United are also likely to be without striker Billy Sharp this weekend.

Sharp's absence will likely see Oli McBurnie and David McGoldrick lead the attack for United, who have scored a league-low 16 Premier League goals this season.

Sheffield United possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; Basham, Egan, Ampadu; Baldock, Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens; McGoldrick, McBurnie

> Click here to see how Leeds United could line up for this contest

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