Leeds United travel to Brentford hoping for a repeat of their memorable final day victory in May. Jack Harrison scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to secure all three points for Leeds and preserve their top-flight status.
The Whites have consolidated their survival with an impressive start to the 2022/23 season - picking up eight points from five games (W2 D2 L1) to sit seventh in the Premier League table.
An injury to Rodrigo in Tuesday's draw against Everton was a major blow, although Jesse Marsch has provided a positive update on the Spaniard, while three others have returned to training.
With that in mind, here is a look at Leeds’ injury list, and when they could make their comebacks.
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Rodrigo – shoulder
Rodrigo will be devastated to be facing a spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder in Leeds’ 1-1 draw against Everton in midweek. The Spaniard has scored four times this term but Marsch has provided a positive update. The Leeds boss confirmed that Rodrigo won’t require surgery and is targeting a comeback after the international break.
Marsch said (Sep 1): "An update on Rodrigo - when it pops out, it's about as good a case scenario as possible.
"That means that it doesn't need surgery and that hopefully in three to four weeks it can calm down. Maybe it takes a little bit longer, maybe it's a little bit shorter.
"We will see. He feels good, he feels confident that he will be ready fairly soon so we're kind of targeting after the international break."
Potential return date: 02/10/2022
Liam Cooper - calf
The Leeds skipper was forced off after just 45 minutes against Barnsley in the Carabao Cup last week. Cooper sustained a minor calf injury and missed the last two games against Brighton and Everton respectively. However, Marsch has confirmed that Cooper could make a return as early as this weekend.
Marsch said (Sep 1): " "Liam Cooper is probably the closest to being ready to start. And the others, I think we may more be considering if we have them on the bench."
Potential return date: 03/09/2022
Luke Ayling - knee
Ayling missed the end of last season and had to have surgery on his knee. The 31-year-old, who has played 220 times for Leeds in all competitions, last featured in a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal in May.
He returned to training this week and could be poised to make a comeback against Nottingham Forest at Elland Road on September 12.
Marsch said (Sep 1): “"Junior Firpo, Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford are all back. So, there are some decisions on exactly which guys are ready to go for the weekend but they're all training, looking healthy, looking strong and ready to go so that's a really good sign.”
Potential return date: 12/09/2022
Junior Firpo - knee
Firpo has been unavailable since July after sustaining a knee injury in a 4-0 pre-season victory over Blackpool. Pascal Struijk has filled the void at left-back although Firpo is nearing a comeback after returning to training this week.
Marsch said (Sep 1): "Junior Firpo, Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford are all back. So, there are some decisions on exactly which guys are ready to go for the weekend but they're all training, looking healthy, looking strong and ready to go so that's a really good sign. next week.”
Potential return date: 12/09/2022
Stuart Dallas - leg
Dallas suffered a fractured femur, which required major surgery, in a challenge with Manchester City winger Jack Grealish in April and was ruled out for around six months.
Marsch said (Aug 11): “Then Stuart Dallas, I saw on the pitch today, moving around a little bit. So that was an exciting moment for us.”
Potential return date: Unknown
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