Kevin Blackwell fears that new signing Lee Williamson could be lost to his squad for at least a couple of months which could prompt the Blades boss into an intensified player search.

He revealed on Friday night that the former Watford midfielder was seeing a specialist for a scan and today he has confirmed that the last hope of avoiding surgery is rest:

"The back injury came from nowhere in pre-season, he hasn't a history of the problem which flared up in the game against Floriana in Malta.

"The surgeon is reluctant to operate until Lee has given his back one last chance through resting it for a couple of weeks. After that, if it hasn't cleared up, it will be an operation which will keep him out for at least two months."

With Gary Speed also unsure of his playing contribution and not figuring at present, the loss of Williamson is a problem Blackwell could do without:

"It is a big blow and I might well have to look at midfield again as a bit of a priority. Lee would add that bit of composure, energy and the ability to break into the box to score.

"I have got good lads here and I don't want to quickly disrupt what is going quite well so I wouldn't say that I am concerned, but I want to bring in quality as well as strength in depth."