Chris Wilder's fitness update over Sheffield United's key trio ahead of Boxing Day clash with Everton
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Sander Berge, the Norwegian international midfielder, has undergone an operation on his damaged tendon and will be out for "three or four months", according to Wilder.
Wilder described injuries to Berge and striker Oli McBurnie as "huge blows", even if the Scottish international's shoulder issue - which he picked up recently in defeat to Southampton, keeping him out of last weekend's draw at Brighton - is a shorter-term problem.
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Hide Ad"As I've said before with Oli, he's touch and go for the next two or three games," Wilder said.
"We planned on him not being available and if he is, then great.
"Sander had an operation on his tendon in his leg, so that's a huge blow for us with him being out for three or four months.
"So one's short term and one a longer scenario."
Wilder was also asked about striker Lys Mousset, who is yet to start a game this season after suffering a toe injury in pre-season.
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Hide Ad"Lys has been in a situation where he didn't train for a couple of days," Wilder revealed.
"He had a reaction to his ankle. He got injured in pre-season, came back against West Brom and then hurt his ankle in pre-season, then missed a couple more days.
"He's not in a position to start and play 55, 60, 65 minutes.
"So if he is OK, he'll be involved and used as an impact sub."
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