Everton's relegation rivals Leeds United have been dealt a double injury blow at the worst possible time as they continue their fight for Premier League survival.
Leeds have been rocked by setbacks in this department all season long, affected most by the loss of key duo Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford. They have also played much of this campaign without club captain Liam Cooper, who suffered a hamstring injury in December which kept him out of action until April.
Cooper helped the Whites to two draws and a win in his three games since returning to the team but was ruled out of Saturday's defeat to Manchester City after pulling out of the pre-match warm-up. Commenting on the Scot's unexpected absence after the full-time whistle, Leeds boss Marsch issued a mixed update: “Liam had a weird feeling in his knee after making a pass in warm-up. He will need a scan. We're hopeful it's not a major issue but we will see.”
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Matters were made worse for the Whites when defender Stuart Dallas was stretchered off during the first half of the City loss, only adding to their selection problems in the heart of defence. Dallas was one of the few players within the Leeds squad to not miss a league fixture this season. But the versatile Northern Ireland international will now miss the remainder of the current campaign and potentially the start of the next one, too.
A Leeds statement read: "Stuart Dallas faces a lengthy period out of action due to a femoral fracture sustained in yesterday’s Premier League game with Manchester City. Stuart was kept overnight at Leeds General Infirmary and will now travel to London for surgery and further tests.
"It is impossible to put into words just how important Stuart is to Leeds United on and off the field Anyone who knows Stuart, knows he will come back from this stronger than ever, and in the meantime, he is sure to make his presence known at both Thorp Arch and Elland Road."
Such news is the last thing the Whites need at this stage of the season as they look to avoid the drop in their second year back in the top flight. Marsch's men are currently two points ahead of Everton, who have a game in hand.
