David McGoldrick ruled out as Sheffield United host Sunderland in Carabao Cup

Posted Tuesday, September 24, 2019 by PA

Sheffield United striker David McGoldrick has been ruled of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup third-round clash with League One Sunderland.

Republic of Ireland international McGoldrick missed Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win at Everton with a muscle injury and will not be risked as he attempts to prove his fitness in time for this weekend’s visit of leaders Liverpool.

He will join fellow frontman Billy Sharp on the sidelines as he serves the second instalment of the three-match ban he received during the 1-0 home defeat to Southampton.

Manager Chris Wilder made wholesale changes for the second-round victory over Blackburn and is likely to use the depth of his squad once again with Richard Stearman, Phil Jagielka, Lys Mousset and Ben Osborn among those who could be handed a chance.

Sunderland will be without winger Aiden McGeady – who scored a late penalty to clinch a 1-1 draw at Bolton on Saturday – as he nurses a foot injury which is being closely monitored.

He could be joined on the sidelines by defender Jordan Willis, who continues to be assessed for a knock sustained during the same game.

Summer-signing Joel Lynch and on-loan Leeds defender Laurens De Bock could be handed debuts as manager Jack Ross rotates his squad.

Alim Ozturk was an unused substitute at Bolton because of a slight injury, while Duncan Watmore continues to work his way back from a thigh problem.