Souza given time to prove fitness for Plymouth game

Vinicius Souza joined Sheffield United from Belgian side Lommel in August 2023

The Blades are giving Vinicius Souza as much time as they can to prove he is fit to play against Plymouth Argyle in the Championship on Saturday.

The Brazilian midfielder has started all 19 league games he has been involved in this season but was forced off early in the second half of Wednesday's win at Millwall with a hamstring issue.

"We'll give Vini as long as we can," Blades boss Chris Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"He had an issue in the Sunderland game but got through that and the West Brom game but we said if it needed to be flagged up by Vini he would and he has."

Souza has only missed one league match for Sheffield United this season and while admitting he is a key member of their side, Wilder will not take any risks.

"I've spoken to our doctor who has a background at two Olympics and he talked about professional athletes not always being 100% but having to get out there, but we're not going to risk him and then it puts him out for four to six weeks - we're not that reckless.

"If we have to protect him we'll protect him but he wanted to get out there on Sunday and Wednesday so the attitude of the player is spot on but we'll make a sensible decision.