Wilder gives update on fitness of Sheffield United star ahead of Preston game

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder says Femi Seriki is still not ready to start but expects the wing-back to be fully up to speed after the international break later this month.

Seriki is still building up his fitness following two months out and Wilder insists the Blades must continue to carefully manage his minutes.

“He’s come on the pitch; he’s been out for eight, nine weeks as well,” Wilder said.

“He’s been on the pitch a couple of times. He’s not back to his unbelievably free-flowing best, but he’ll get there without a shadow of a doubt.”

Wilder stressed there is no fresh injury concern over Seriki, with the focus instead on building up his match fitness.

“There’s nothing untoward that we think is a major issue with Femi,” he said.

“The issue you’ve always got is reserve team football, first team football and the amount of games that you have.

“Getting in match minutes, getting him out there. You can’t replicate that on a Friday night live on Sky against a really competitive team as well. Femi will be fine.

“He’s still not ready to start,” Wilder added.

“We’re looking at that. We’ll most probably look for him to start after the international break.

“But managing his minutes, getting him up to speed, and him getting into his free-flowing best, no doubt he’ll get there.

“He’s still a young player, and there’s loads to offer.”