Marcelo Bielsa has ruled four of his key first-team players out of the Leeds United squad for the trip to face Everton on Saturday afternoon.
The Whites have only had a few days turnaround time from the thrilling 3-3 draw at Villa Park on Wednesday and are unlikely to have any more players returning from injury.
Bielsa was able to welcome both Jamie Shackleton and Adam Forshaw back into the squad in the West Midlands with the latter coming on for the final few minutes.
The effort that went into rescuing a point in that game was clear to see as it reached its conclusion with a number of Leeds players succumbing to cramp in the closing stages.
Those same players must now dust themselves down as they won’t be joined by any more of their injured teammates. Although, Charlie Cresswell could return to the bench after he came through the U23s’ victory on Monday night unscathed.
The Leeds boss confirmed in his pre-match press conference that each of Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford, Liam Cooper and Junior Firpo still won’t be available at Goodison Park as they all continue their respective recoveries.
Here is a look at the timeline of each of those injuries as well as what Bielsa has said in regard to their potential returns to fitness.
Patrick Bamford - foot
Patrick Bamford’s season has been ravaged by a number of different injuries and his most recent setback seems to have left him some way from being involved in the squad.
Prior to the Villa draw, he was still not out on the training pitch running due to the new issue that had been discovered in his foot.
What Bielsa said (07/02/22): “Bamford has not improved. He continues with the problems at the bottom of his foot, and he has not started jogging, so his situation continues the same way.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Kalvin Phillips – hamstring
Of all the players currently unavailable, Kalvin Phillips is arguably the one Leeds have missed the most and fans will be desperate to see him back on the pitch at Elland Road.
His recovery is right on track and he could be pulling the white shirt on as soon as the start of the next month.
What Bielsa said (11/02/22): “He is expected to return in the first few days of March and his recovery has been going as expected.”
Potential return date: 05/03/22
Junior Firpo – hamstring
Junior Firpo looks very likely to be the first of the current batch of injured players to return to action following the hamstring injury he sustained in the FA Cup defeat at West Ham.
Initially, it was thought he might’ve been available to the trip to Merseyside but next week’s clash with Manchester United looks more realistic.
What Bielsa said (11/02/22): “He is healthy, but we're not going to anticipate his return. We anticipate his return will be next week.”
Potential return date: 20/02/22
Liam Cooper – hamstring
Leeds’ official Twitter account released pictures of Liam Cooper back on the training pitch, with Phillips, last week and his return may well come at the same time as the England midfielder’s.
The visit to face Leicester in the first game of March could be the game where they are both reintegrated.
What Bielsa said (07/02/22): “Cooper and Phillips are in the final stages of their recovery from their operations.”
Potential return date: 05/03/22
Sam Greenwood – knee
After picking up what seemed a fairly innocuous injury in the FA Cup match at the London Stadium, Sam Greenwood is facing quite a lengthy lay-off.
There is no indication yet of when he will return but it seems unlikely he will be playing for the first team between now and the end of the season.
What has been said (14/01/22): “Sam has undergone successful surgery on a knee injury sustained in the FA Cup tie vs West Ham.”
Potential return date: Unknown
