Leeds United head into this weekend's round of fixtures with their tails up for only the third time in 2022. The Whites have defeated Burnley, West Ham United and Norwich City since the turn of the year, putting a stop to a six-match losing streak with last Sunday's victory over the Canaries.
New head coach Jesse Marsch withdrew Rodrigo Moreno on the hour mark last weekend, who seemed to be playing with strapping on his thigh, and is subject to a late fitness test before tonight's game. Patrick Bamford came through his 45-minute run-out unscathed following a first Leeds United start in six months. He is expected to be named in the starting XI against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Young striker Joe Gelhardt is facing similar circumstances to Rodrigo, as he sat out Tuesday evening's U23 fixture against Manchester United with a slight back issue. It is not thought Gelhardt's injury is serious, and his omission in midweek was merely precautionary. Marsch did indicate they would assess the 19-year-old before this evening's game.
Elsewhere on the injury front, Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper are available for selection against Wolves. Both players have not featured for the side since December 5, 2021 in a 2-2 draw with Brentford. Their absences have been felt, particularly during the month of February when Leeds conceded a Premier League record 20 goals.
With long-term absentees Bamford, Phillips and Cooper back in a senior squad together for the first time since that December fixture, it somewhat softens the blow of numerous players possibly missing tonight's game. Lewis Bate and Jamie Shackleton join Joe Gelhardt and Rodrigo on the list of players considered doubts for this evening. Both Bate and Shackleton picked up injuries during the 3-0 win over Manchester United U23s, said Marsch.
Junior Firpo is left out as expected; he will be sidelined for 'three-to-five weeks' with a medial collateral ligament sprain. Teenage defender Leo Hjelde is also absent for the trip to Wolves having had successful surgery on a knee injury picked up at Goodison Park last month. Marsch hopes he could potentially make a return in the coming weeks.
Tyler Roberts will make no further appearances for the Whites this season after successful surgery on a hamstring issue. He will be sidelined for three-to-four months.
Here is the anticipated Leeds United squad to face Wolverhampton Wanderers this evening.
Expected Leeds United squad vs Wolves: Illan Meslier, Kristoffer Klaesson, Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Pascal Struijk, Liam Cooper, Charlie Cresswell, Liam McCarron, Kalvin Phillips, Adam Forshaw, Mateusz Klich, Rodrigo Moreno, Sam Greenwood, Raphinha, Daniel James, Jack Harrison, Patrick Bamford, Joe Gelhardt
