Adam Forshaw is in contention to make his first appearance of the calendar year on Monday night when Leeds United take on Liverpool. The midfielder was considered fit enough to be named on the bench for the first time in 2023 last weekend against Crystal Palace, but Javi Gracia opted against bringing him into action.
In truth, it was hardly a surprise that Gracia never looked his way given the context of the game and the nature of the hip injury that saw him spend the first three months of the year on the sidelines. However, it certainly wouldn’t be a shock to see him go on and play a key role for United over the coming weeks as the Premier League campaign approaches its climax and Gracia is delighted to see him make a timely return to fitness.
Forshaw has been luckless when it comes to injuries in recent years and this season has been no different. In fact, he has made just six appearances in all competitions with knee, hip and ankle problems preventing him from finding consistency in the side.
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He has performed well when he has been in the side, though, turning in impressive displays over the festive period against Manchester City and Newcastle United. Those outings came under the stewardship of Jesse Marsch and they were his last in Leeds colours.
The 31-year-old will be in contention for minutes on Monday night against boyhood club Liverpool, though, and with Gracia needing all hands on deck for the run-in, he certainly provides options for the head coach.
“Adam is coming from a long-term injury,” Gracia said on Forshaw. “Good news for us to first of all have this player with us training with us every day.”
“It is healthy for the group, for all of us. He is a centre midfielder and as you know, we don't have many options in that position. But good news for all of us.”
Forshaw, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has plenty of competition for a spot in Gracia’s midfield. However, it’s fair to say that neither Weston McKennie nor Marc Roca look particularly secure in the side at present.
The pair starred in the win over Nottingham Forest last week, but their performances in the 5-1 loss to Palace left much to be desired and with Tyler Adams still on the sidelines, Gracia could look to the experience and nous of Forshaw in a bid to shore things up during the final eight games, with the club’s top flight status on the line.
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