Tahith Chong has returned to Sheffield United with his confidence lifted following a productive international break with Curaçao. The winger’s timely return offers manager Chris Wilder a potential solution to the Blades' recent attacking struggles as they prepare to host Lincoln City at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

Chong featured three times for his national team in the CONCACAF Nations League, scoring once and providing an assist. The 26-year-old has come back to South Yorkshire with a spring in his step, a welcome sight after a debut season at the club where he struggled for consistency and often appeared short of belief.

"We shall await to see what kind of impact Chong has against Lincoln City on Saturday afternoon," Wilder told reporters.

The manager’s comment shows the opportunity facing the direct ball carrier. Sheffield United’s form has dipped, with back-to-back 2-1 and 1-0 defeats to Stoke City and Fleetwood Town respectively before the three-week pause. That left the team with three consecutive single-goal losses across all competitions, a run where a clear lack of attacking spark was evident. The team's recent form is reflected in the standings, where they will be looking to climb.

Filling a creative void

The departures of Andre Brooks and Gustavo Hamer over the summer removed two key sources of creativity from last season's squad. Chong’s profile as a player who drives at defenders and is willing to shoot could help fill that void. He showed glimpses of that intent last term, coming off the bench in the final game against Derby County to display positive directness. His return comes at a key time, with the team having scored only 3 goals in their last 5 matches, a fact clear from the team's stats.

He carried that form into pre-season, scoring twice before an injury against Birmingham City interrupted his momentum. His return to the matchday squad for the trip to Stoke before the break was a step forward, and his performances for Curaçao have now built on that.

Building towards Lincoln

Other Blades players also used the international period to build fitness. Sam McCallum, Femi Seriki and Ryan Oné all worked on their conditioning during the break. They will be hoping to feature as Wilder’s side looks to arrest its recent slide. The full fixtures list shows the importance of the upcoming home game.

The overall picture shows a team that has won three of its last five, but lost the last two. The immediate focus is firmly on Lincoln City’s visit this weekend.

Chong’s renewed self-assurance, forged on international duty, provides a fresh option for Wilder as he seeks to reignite Sheffield United’s season. The team’s next match is at home to Lincoln City on Saturday, 10 October.

First reported at Sheff United Way