Leeds United are finally set to return to Premier League action this weekend as they host Aston Villa at Elland Road. The Whites have been out of action since September 3’s 5-2 defeat at Brentford following the postponement of matches against Nottingham Forest and Manchester United.
Aston Villa, meanwhile, also their trip to Leicester City called off but were able to face Southampton just before the international break. Steven Gerrard’s side earned a much-needed win against the Saints but face a number of key injury concerns heading into the clash with Leeds.
Here is an early round-up of the players who could be missing in West Yorkshire.
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Boubacar Kamara – knee
Villa’s victory over Southampton came at a cost as key midfielder Boubacar Kamara was forced off in the first half with a knee injury. Scans have since shown that Kamara suffered ligament damage and will therefore be absent for a number of weeks.
What has been said (Sep 23): “Boubacar suffered a knee ligament injury during the first half vs Southampton. As a result of the injury, Kamara was forced to withdraw from the French squad and has begun a rehab programme.
Potential return date: Unknown
Matty Cash – hamstring
Matty Cash’s availability at this stage remains unclear after he picked up a hamstring injury in the draw with Manchester City at the beginning of the month. Cash missed the game with Southampton before the international break but Gerrard did not provide an update as to how long he’d be out for.
Potential return date: Unknown
Lucas Digne – ankle
Left-back Lucas Digne will miss the match at Elland Road after picking up a stress fracture in his ankle shortly after arriving at the France camp last week. Some reports indicate he could be out until after the World Cup.
Potential return date: Unknown
Diego Carlos – Achilles
The second of Villa’s major summer signings set to miss a prolonged period of time is centre back Diego Carlos. Carlos ruptured his Achilles in August’s win over Everton and has a number of months of recovery ahead of him.
What has been said (Aug 19): “He had successful surgery yesterday, so it’s important that we look forward and try to be positive.”
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