Harry Souttar sends poignant Sheffield United message after Leicester City loan star’s spell ended prematurely

Harry Souttar sends poignant Sheffield United message after Leicester City loan star’s spell ended prematurely by “major blow” injury.

Harry Souttar has broken his silence following a catastrophic injury that terminated his season and cut short his brilliant loan spell with Sheffield United. With his dominant performances at centre-back, the Australian international cemented his place as a fan favourite at Bramall Lane, helping the Blades return from last season’s relegation with one of the best defensive records in the Championship.

But United fans were left fearing the worst when he was carried off the pitch late in their 2-0 Boxing Day loss to Burnley, with sources subsequently telling The Star that Souttar had ruptured his Achilles and had returned to parent club Leicester City for assessment. Speaking after Sunday’s 1-1 home match with West Bromwich Albion, manager Chris Wilder revealed the severity of the injury, stating that the tendon “snapped” and Souttar would be out for the season.

The revelation is a huge shock for both the Blades and the player, who had found his love of football at Bramall Lane after a disappointing spell at Leicester following a £15 million transfer from Stoke City. As a result, United will be forced to change their plans for the upcoming January transfer window, with Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson the only fit and senior centre-backs on the club’s books, and 17-year-old right-back Sam Colechin drafted into the squad against the Baggies, highlighting United’s lack of depth.

Souttar posted a parting message on Instagram, saying: “Thank you to everyone at Sheffield United… An terrific club with wonderful people. Unfortunately, that will keep me out for a while, but I wish everyone at the club the best for the rest of the season and beyond. Once a Blade, always a Blade. X.
Wilder praised Souttar as “simply amazing for us” during his tenure at Bramall Lane, saying, “I applaud Harry for his effort. It’s a tremendous blow to us. A major blow. He’s torn his Achilles. It’s just something that happens. A serious injury, such as Blaster’s [Oliver Arblaster’s ACL tear] or Sai Sachdev’s [broken leg].

“There’s a couple of overuse injuries but this is what happens when you’re asking players to go again and again and again, when ordinarily you might have that opportunity or option to give them a chance of a breather.”