Leeds United face another huge match in their battle to beat the drop as they host Chelsea on Wednesday night. The Whites moved into the relegation zone over the weekend following their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, with Everton moving above them thanks to a win on the road for the first time since August.
Leeds sit level on points with Burnley with just three matches of the season remaining but will need to better their return in the run-in due to their inferior goal difference. So ahead of this week’s clash with Chelsea, here is an early look at Leeds’ injury and suspension list in the wake of the loss at the Emirates yesterday.
Luke Ayling – suspended
Luke Ayling became the latest Leeds player set to miss the rest of the season after his straight red card at Arsenal on Sunday. Ayling has been handed a three-match ban as a result of his poor challenge on Gabriel Martinelli.
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What Marsch said (May 8): “Yeah, it's a little bit ironic considering it's 500 matches from Luke and he's such an experienced player. Just a moment of poor judgment from him, but he's been an incredible part of what we've accomplished here so far since I've been here. I'm disappointed for him and the team, but whatever, that's the situation, we have to accept it and we just have to move forward.”
Stuart Dallas – leg
Jesse Marsch confirmed in his press conference on Friday that Stuart Dallas has undergone successful surgery on a femoral fracture he suffered against Manchester City. Dallas, who had started every game since Leeds’ promotion, is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
What’s been said (May 6): "He had a successful surgery, it was a long surgery – five and a half hours. But they believe that the outcome was very positive and they say it’ll be a long recovery, but believe it will be a full recovery.
“He has had something like 400-500 messages from fans, family and friends. We know that he’s loved and I think that this moment proved that more than anything… I think we can safely say it’ll be six months but it could be longer and I don’t want to rush anything.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Liam Cooper – knee
After starting three consecutive matches on his return from a hamstring injury, Liam Cooper was forced to pull out of the starting XI for City due to a knee problem sustained in the warm-up. Cooper was in contention to play against Arsenal yesterday, but was not risked.
What Marsch said (May 8): "Liam Cooper is still feeling his knee a little bit and we just didn't want to take the risk of playing him now and potentially losing him for the next fixtures so we were a little bit more cautious with him.”
Potential return date: 08/05/22
Patrick Bamford – foot
Patrick Bamford stepped up his recovery from a foot injury this week as he took part in some light training. Marsch is ‘cautiously optimistic’ that he will play some part in the run-in.
What Marsch said (May 6): “I watched him on the pitch today and he was moving really well. He was doing a lot of ball work, relatively active and dynamic. We’ll go step by step, but hopefully we can get him into training next week.”
Potential return date: 15/05/22
Crysencio Summerville – ankle
Crysencio Summerville is set to miss the rest of the season after picking up an ankle injury ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace last Monday. That was yet another blow for Leeds suffered in training after Adam Forshaw’s knee injury a few days earlier.
What Marsch said (April 28): “Picked up an injury in the last training session before the Palace match. He twisted his ankle and will be done for the season.”
Potential return date:Next season
Adam Forshaw – knee
In a very unfortunate training ground incident, Adam Forshaw is set to miss the rest of the season after fracturing his kneecap in a collision. Marsch is expecting him to be absent for the next six weeks and he will therefore be next available in pre-season.
What Marsch said (22.04.22): “We had an unfortunate injury with Adam. He took a knock and fractured his knee cap. It’s a six-week injury, so that puts him out for the season. By summer, he’ll be back and ready to go.”
Potential return date:Next season
Tyler Roberts – hamstring
Marsch revealed last month that Tyler Roberts is progressing well in his recovery, though given the initial recovery timeline, he is still set to miss the rest of the season. Roberts underwent surgery on a hamstring injury he suffered at Leicester City.
What Marsch said (22.04.22): “ Tyler Roberts is also making good progress.”
Potential return date: Next season
