October 9, (THEWILL) – Sheffield United defender, Chris Basham, has already undergone initial surgery on the nasty broken ankle he suffered during Saturday’s 3-1 English Premier League defeat at Fulham. The 35-year-old centre-back crumpled in agony after putting in a cross and received 15 minutes of treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off wearing an oxygen mask.
Basham posted on Instagram that he had the first of two planned operations on Sunday to “clean things up and make things right”, thanking the football world for their messages of support. He singled out Fulham’s Tim Ream for rushing to check on him before the medical staff arrived on the scene.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for both Basham and Sheffield United. With captain, John Egan, also sidelined, Basham’s experience was needed at the back and he had started all nine matches this season. The Blades are rock bottom in the EPL table with just one point from their opening eight games.
Basham is regarded as a leader in the dressing room and his absence will be keenly felt. While it is too early to determine a return date, the freak injury was clearly serious and his recovery has already begun. Sheffield United will be hoping to have the vice-captain back on the pitch as soon as possible as they battle for top-flight survival.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
