Sheffield United boss Paul Heckeingbottom is upbeat on Chris Basham's playing return.

The 35-year-old suffered a fracture to his ankle in the defeat at Fulham and has since undergone two operations.

"One thing to say about Bash, everyone knows how naturally fit he is," Heckingbottom said ahead of Saturday night's Premier League visit of Manchester United.

"He is blessed with really good endurance. He will come back fit as a fiddle, that won't take long. The surgeons are really happy with the work they have done, so there is no reason whatsoever.

"When you are looking at these injuries, when people are having operations, it is just the length of time they are out for.

"No one at all is thinking that way, especially not Bash.

"Everything has gone as well as it can. With an injury of that nature, everyone thinks of it because of how freakish it was and how horrible it looks. But you still get surgery and treated the same way.

"He is still in hospital. He is going crazy inside those four walls. He has had a couple of operations that were needed. Hopefully he will be getting home to his family in the next few days.

"They release you when you're ready, they are monitoring him, making sure he is OK. When they are happy for him to go, he will be back with his family."