Sheffield United have been dealt a significant blow with confirmation that striker Ryan One is set to miss "a number of weeks" after aggravating a hamstring injury in training. Manager Chris Wilder broke the news to BBC Radio Sheffield, describing it as "a disappointing one" at a point where the 20-year-old had only just begun to reintegrate into the squad.

The same spot, the same setback

One first suffered the hamstring problem in the 0-0 draw with Birmingham back in August, a lay-off that kept him out for two months. Having returned as a substitute in Championship victories over Lincoln and Bristol City earlier this month, the Scotland Under-21 international then aggravated the injury during a training session last week.

"We've had some disappointing news regarding Ryan," Wilder said. "It was the same spot he got the initial injury, so he is going to be out for a number of weeks."

Recurring injuries to the same area of a hamstring are well-documented as a concern in elite football; a reinjury in the identical location so shortly after returning to play will understandably raise questions about how his rehabilitation was managed and whether his workload was carefully graduated. Wilder offered no detail on that front beyond the basic facts, which is press-release territory in its own right.

What One offered on his return

Wilder was unambiguous about the young striker's value, suggesting One had already shown his worth in his brief cameos. "All of our supporters understand the importance of him. He was great for us in the Bristol City and Lincoln games when he came on," the manager said. "It's a disappointing one because we're ready for Ryan to make an impact, whether that's off the bench or starting."

That framing is notable. Wilder was not speaking about a fringe player filling a squad role; he was speaking about someone he sees as capable of starting in a Championship side. For a 20-year-old still building his senior career, the stop-start nature of this season will be a genuine frustration.

The bigger picture for Sheffield United's attack

One's absence arrives at a testing moment for Sheffield United's attacking options. Patrick Bamford, another striker on the books, was forced off with a shoulder injury in last Saturday's draw with Derby, though Wilder indicated he is hopeful Bamford will be available for Friday evening's home fixture. Defender Mark McGuinness will also return to the squad after sitting out the Derby game under concussion protocol.

Losing One for another extended period narrows Wilder's choices in the final third at a stage of the season when Championship managers can ill afford thin attacking resources. The Blades will need to lean on what is available and hope their remaining forwards can provide the cutting edge that One was beginning to offer before this latest setback.

No timetable beyond "weeks"

Wilder offered no precise return date, and "a number of weeks" is language that could cover anywhere from three weeks to two months depending on how the injury responds to treatment. Sheffield United have not elaborated further in any official club communication published at the time of writing. Supporters who have watched One's injury saga through the autumn will be hoping the club take a suitably cautious approach to his recovery this time around, even if patience is hard to come by with a Championship season in full flow.

Frequently asked

How long is Ryan One out for Sheffield United?
Manager Chris Wilder has said One is facing 'a number of weeks' on the sidelines after aggravating a hamstring injury in training. No specific return date has been given.
What injury does Ryan One have?
Ryan One has a hamstring injury. He first suffered the problem in August, returned to action as a substitute earlier in October, then aggravated it in training.
Is Patrick Bamford fit for Sheffield United?
Wilder said he is hopeful Bamford will be available after a shoulder injury forced him off in the draw with Derby, though no guarantee was given.