Sheffield United have confirmed that striker Oli McBurnie is set for a period on the sidelines due to a groin injury sustained earlier in the month.
The 27-year-old has been an important figure for the Blades since their return to the Premier League, playing six league matches and providing two goal contributions.
McBurnie featured 38 times - 25 of which were from the start - as Paul Heckingbottom's men gained automatic promotion from the Championship last season, with the forward netting 13 goals in the 2022-23 campaign.
Despite his importance for Sheffield United, the former Swansea City man has failed to break into any Scotland squads since May 2021 - a task made tougher by the addition of Che Adams to Steve Clarke's ranks.
After Sheffield United's 5-0 loss at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal on Saturday afternoon, under-pressure manager Heckingbottom provided an update on the fitness of McBurnie.
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"He's damaged his groin. It will be weeks and he will not be available for the [next] weekend," explained Heckingbottom during his post-match press conference in North London.
The Blades started with former Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster leading the line alone against the Gunners due to the absence of McBurnie, and the visitors failed pose a significant threat to David Raya's goal.
Heckingbottom's charges managed just two shots during the entirety of the contest against Mikel Arteta's side, none of which were on target.
McBurnie picked up the groin strain during the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Bramall Lane last weekend, when the 27-year-old bagged the Blades' equaliser from the penalty spot in the 34th minute.
The forward was visibly aware of the groin issue while taking the kick from 12 yards out, and was later forced off in the second period, being replaced by the aforementioned Brewster.
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Sheffield United will therefore be without McBurnie's services for the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers next Saturday - a team who the Blades could be battling with to avoid a bottom-three finish.
Heading towards the expiration of his deal at Bramall Lane in the summer, it has been reported that the Scottish attacker could be making the switch to Rangers at the end of the season.
Following a difficult afternoon at the Emirates which heaped piled further scrutiny onto head coach Heckingbottom, the Blades are rooted to the bottom of the top-flight standings, having collected just the single point from their opening 10 matches.
The Yorkshire club's start to the Premier League season is the worst in the division's history, and only one other side - Sheffield United in 2020-21 - have failed to register more points than Heckingbottom's team in the first 10 contests.
Carter White
