Sheffield United left young forward Ryan Oné out of the line‑up for the 0‑0 pre‑season draw with Chesterfield on Saturday, citing a minor issue that the club did not want to risk before a week‑long training camp in Valencia.

Why was Oné absent?

Assistant manager Micky Collins explained to BBC Radio Sheffield that the striker suffered a small, unspecified problem after playing the first half of United’s 3‑1 win over FC Halifax Town on 28 June. Collins said the club preferred to keep the 20‑year‑old Scotland youth international safe rather than gamble on his fitness ahead of the Spanish trip. “Just a minor issue. It was something that we didn’t want to risk,” he said.

How does this affect the pre‑season plan?

United are two weeks into a tightly‑packed schedule, with another solid run‑out in Derbyshire under scorching conditions. The coaching staff, led by Chris Wilder, intend to use the Valencia camp – including a friendly against Levante UD – to push the squad’s fitness by an extra 10‑15 per cent. Collins noted that the current heatwave in the UK has already forced the lads to adapt to extreme temperatures, a useful preparation for the upcoming Spanish heat.

What does this mean for Oné’s future?

Oné, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Lincoln City, celebrated his 20th birthday on 12 June. The club’s cautious approach suggests they see him as a long‑term asset rather than a short‑term gamble. “Ryan will be fine and he will back with us very shortly,” Collins assured, hinting that the youngster should be ready for the Levante fixture and the start of the Championship campaign in August.

Is there cause for concern among fans?

Some supporters wondered whether the omission hinted at a bigger injury, but the clear message from the coaching team was one of reassurance. The focus remains on building squad depth and conditioning, not on panic. With the Blades aiming to improve on last season’s finish, keeping key players healthy for the intensive summer programme is a priority.

Overall, United’s decision to sit Oné out reflects a calculated approach to pre‑season preparation, balancing immediate match experience with long‑term player welfare as they gear up for a demanding Championship season.