Leeds United’s injury woes
Battered 7-0 by Manchester City on Tuesday, they now sit five points clear of the relegation zone, but two of the four sides below them have games in hand, while Burnley, five points adrift, have two.
While Covid-19 has not yet hit Leeds United as it has other sides, injuries definitely have. Speaking ahead of the game, Bielsa revealed that both Dan James and Jamie Shackleton picked up knocks at the Etihad, while Junior Firpo will miss out due to suspension.
However, Robin Koch is set to return at centre-back after a spell on the sidelines.
Bielsa speaking at his pre-Arsenal presser. Injuries the first topic – Dan James and Jamie Shackleton are out this weekend. Robin Koch available though. No other changes to the absentee list. Firpo serving a one-match ban. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) December 16, 2021
This leaves Leeds with a lengthy injury list, with the Yorkshire side currently missing:
- Patrick Bamford
- Kalvin Phillips
- Dan James
- Jamie Shackleton
- Rodrigo
- Pascal Struijk
- Liam Cooper
Firpo, meanwhile, as mentioned, is suspended.
And it has just got worse.
Charlie Cresswell out of Arsenal clash
Now, as per The Daily Mail, they have suffered another injury, in the form of Charlie Cresswell.
The England U21 defender would have been in line to make his second Premier League appearance for the Yorkshire club, but has reportedly dislocated his shoulder in training ahead of Saturday afernoon’s clash.
EXCL: Leeds face ANOTHER injury blow as defender Charlie Cresswell dislocates shoulder in training | @dpcoverdale https://t.co/rH4ZaOj2Rl
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) December 18, 2021
This leaves Leeds with yet another issue, and just 9 outfield senior players, meaning that under 23 players such as Joe Gerhardt and former Arsenal youngster Sam Greenwood could be in line to line out for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Can they manage to get anything against an in form Arsenal side?
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