Sheffield United are now only one point above seventh-placed Leeds in the Championship table
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder says injuries and suspensions are "no excuses" for his side after their third straight Championship defeat.
The Blades are 10 points adrift of the automatic promotion places following Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Preston.
Wilder was without a number of players, including injured midfielder Paul Coutts and the suspended John Fleck.
"We didn't do enough as a team that represents me and this football club," he told BBC Radio Sheffield.
"They changed their shape to face us - I told the players maybe they shouldn't have bothered because maybe we don't deserve that respect."
Sheffield United were top of the table following their 3-1 win at Burton Albion on 16 November, but they have now slipped to sixth place.
"There's no excuses whatsoever, other teams can say I've got him missing and him missing," said Wilder.
"I said before the game I'd be embarrassed if I was a player coming in and somebody was talking about a missing player.
"Of course I'd love to have all my players fit and ready and have a decision to make, but I assemble a group at the start of the season and opportunities will open up for players whether they take it or whether they don't.
Source: bbc.com