Jesse Marsch has both positive and negative injury news to contend with ahead of Monday night’s clash against Crystal Palace. Leeds United fans can expect to see the long-awaited return to the starting line-up of talisman Kalvin Phillips after his hamstring injury.
The England midfielder has featured in the last two outings via the substitutes bench but Marsch confirmed his full return ahead of the trip to South London. Ahead of the game, the American said: “He (Phillips) had a really good training week, he’s fully fit, he’s fully fit and we’re excited for him to be back."
Leeds’ other England international, Patrick Bamford, is ruled out. The striker has missed the majority of 2021-22 due to injury but Marsch revealed he could return before the end of the season.
Read more: Five things to look out for against Crystal Palace
“(It is) still feasible (Bamford could return),” he said. “Exactly on track with where he hoped he would be. Credit the medical team and their stats to show a lot of injuries, but we get them back quicker than a lot of places. I am cautiously optimistic.”
Adam Forshaw fractured his kneecap in training and will miss the rest of the campaign. Tyler Roberts, who suffered a ruptured hamstring in March against Leicester, remains sidelined. Junior Firpo meanwhile, could be in contention to return following his spell on the sideline.
This is the Leeds squad for the trip to Palace in full:
Illan Meslier, Luke Ayling, Junior Firpo, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Raphinha, Kristoffer Klaesson, Diego Llorente, Stuart Dallas, Rodrigo, Daniel James, Pascal Struijk, Jack Harrison, Kalvin Phillips, Lewis Bate, Joe Gelhardt, Leo Hjelde, Charlie Cresswell, Crysencio Summerville, Stuart McKinstry, Sam Greenwood, Mateusz Klich, Nohan Kenneh
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
