Sheffield United: Defender set to miss Shrimpers test

The Sheffield United manager had hoped that Baptiste, on loan from Middlesbrough, would return to action at Roots Hall after damaging a hamstring but now accepts that Saturday’s meeting with Walsall is a more realistic target.

“Alex has done some good running,” Adkins said. “He won’t be involved here, it’s a little too early, but he should be okay for the weekend. Alex should have hit the targets we are looking for by then.”

With fellow centre-half David Edgar away on international duty with Canada, Baptiste’s absence means Harrison McGahey is set to make his second consecutive start after facing Crewe Alexandra on Good Friday. Midfielder Florent Cuvelier (hamstring) is also unavailable for the visit to Essex.