Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson reckons the return of Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford could have a double advantage for the Whites.
While all three have struggled with injuries in recent times, they all featured for Leeds Under 21s in a Friday night Premier League 2 match at Elland Road, which saw the Whites run out 6-2 winners over Southampton.
Bamford was on hand to score a hat-trick while Cooper, Crysencio Summerville and Sonny Perkins added the other three.
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Should the trio be able to get back to their best, it will provide Leeds boss Jesse Marsch with a number of options in defence and attack.
But additionally, Ayling, Cooper and Bamford are three of Leeds' most senior players and Robinson believes the mix of playing quality and leadership they can give Leeds when they return to full fitness could spur the Whites on to greater heights.
"They’re three key players and not just for their quality but for their leadership on the field," said Robinson.
"There aren’t many leaders or voices on that pitch at the moment but Ayling and Cooper have two of the biggest presences out there.
"Ayling’s been missing for a long time so to have him back, on and off the field, would be a huge boost. We’ve talked over and over again about Bamford’s importance to the side so for those three to come back, they’re three big players."
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