David Brooks poised to return for Blades in cup clash with Leicester

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has confirmed Wales international David Brooks is in contention to make his long-awaited return in Friday’s FA Cup tie at Leicester.

Attacking midfielder Brooks has been suffering with glandular fever and has not featured for the Blades since early December.

The 20-year-old scored one goal and set up another in a 45-minute cameo appearance for the Sky Bet Championship club club’s under-23 team at Hull on Monday.

And given United’s current selection problems, Wilder is preparing to include him in his squad for the fifth-round clash with the Foxes.

“David came through that great, set one up and scored, not surprised about that,” said Wilder, speaking about the under-23 game at his press conference on Wednesday.

“David will be (in contention) because of the numbers situation. Our numbers are obviously down.

“He’s been back with the group for the last couple of weeks and it really is left with the medical staff how long he can play.

“Playing 45 minutes, that’s good for him and good for us.”

Former Manchester City trainee Brooks has burst on to the scene at Bramall Lane this season, producing some impressive performances and also scoring twice across his 19 league outings.

He made his international debut against France in November before winning his second cap against Panama a few days later.

While Brooks will be available to make his much-anticipated return against Claude Puel’s Premier League side, the Blades will be without a host of other first-team players.

Goalkeeper Simon Moore serves the second instalment of a three-game ban following his dismissal at Wolves while midfielder John Fleck starts a two-match suspension after collecting his 10th booking of the season in last weekend’s victory over Leeds.

Midfielders Ryan Leonard, Ricky Holmes and Lee Evans are all cup-tied having been signed by Wilder during last month’s transfer window and defender Kieron Freeman is still not ready to return from a knee problem.

Speaking about Freeman, who has been out since October but also played for the under-23 side this week, Wilder added: “Kieron Freeman played 25 minutes at the death, so it’s good for them (Freeman and Brooks) to get out and play competitive football.

“(It will be) too early for Kieron (to play at Leicester), he’s got to go through the process of another two, three or four games (for the under-23 side).”