Leeds United make their return to Premier League action with a clash against Southampton at Elland Road on Saturday. The Whites will be looking to make it three wins in a row for the first time since the end of last season following wins over Norwich City and Wolves.
Despite that, the international break came at arguably the perfect time for Leeds following a string of injury blows in the victory at Molineux. Leeds issued an update on all those players in an official statement last night, and so with that in mind here is a look at the club’s injury list in full, and when each player could potentially return.
Patrick Bamford – foot
Patrick Bamford’s devastating season of injuries continued at Wolves after his withdrawal 23 minutes into proceedings. Unfortunately for Bamford, he is set to miss the next six weeks after suffering a full rupture of his plantar fascia, and it is now uncertain whether he will play again this season.
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What Marsch said (18/03/22): “ Following meetings with consultants earlier this week, we can confirm Patrick Bamford has ruptured his plantar fascia, which is an injury to the sole of the foot. On a positive note, Patrick will not require surgery. Whilst the recovery time for every athlete is different, it is expected that Patrick will be on the sidelines for a minimum of six weeks.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Kalvin Phillips - hamstring
Kalvin Phillips will be in contention to start this weekend after another two weeks of full training under his belt. Phillips returned to the bench against Wolves 10 days ago but was never in contention to play any minutes, according to Marsch.
What’s been said (27/03/22): “ On a more positive note, Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente have all trained this week and will currently be available to play minutes against Southampton next week.”
Potential return date: 02/04/22
Liam Cooper - hamstring
Like Phillips, Liam Cooper will also be pushing for a start against the Saints after his continued involvement in full training over the international break. Marsch confirmed post-Wolves that he was fit enough to play some minutes, meaning there is every chance he could be involved from the beginning on Saturday.
What’s been said (27/03/22): “ On a more positive note, Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente have all trained this week and will currently be available to play minutes against Southampton next week.”
Potential return date: 02/04/22
Diego Llorente – back
Diego Llorente was another Leeds player to be withdrawn in the first half on Friday with a problem that has been causing him trouble for a number of weeks. Llorente, though, has already made his return to training and will be available against Southampton.
What’s been said (27/03/22): “ On a more positive note, Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente have all trained this week and will currently be available to play minutes against Southampton next week.”
Potential return date: 02/04/22
Mateusz Klich – head
After following all the necessary concussion protocols due to the nasty head injury he picked up at Molineux, Klich is back among the squad. He will therefore be fit to make an immediate return at the weekend.
What’s been said (27/03/22): “After completing the concussion return to training protocols, we can confirm that Mateusz Klich has returned to the squad.”
Potential return date: 02/04/22
Illan Meslier – hip
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier is yet to make his return to training after the injury he picked up in the 3-2 win at Wolves. Despite that, the club expect him to be fit for the game with the Saints.
What’s been said (27/03/22): "Illan Meslier has suffered severe bruising to his upper thigh and lower torso and therefore not been involved this week, but the French stopper is expected to be fit for the visit of the Saints.”
Potential return date: 02/04/22
Raphinha – Covid
Winger Raphinha missed the win at Molineux after testing positive for Covid-19 prior to the game in the West Midlands, which meant he was also unable to travel to Brazil for their latest World Cup qualifiers. The 25-year-old, though, has made a return to training and will be fit for Southampton on Saturday.
What’s been said (27/03/22): “Raphinha has also joined in training after recovering from illness.”
Potential return date: 02/04/22
Robin Koch – Covid
Robin Koch became the second Leeds player in the space of a week to test positive for Covid, which prevented him from going away for international duty with Germany. No update has yet been provided on his condition, so it is unclear as to whether he will be fit for the weekend.
Potential return date: Unknown
Jamie Shackleton/Lewis Bate – unknown
Both Jamie Shackleton and Lewis Bate missed the game at Molineux after picking up knocks in the U23s’ 3-0 win over Manchester United earlier in the week. Bate was fit enough to return for the U23s’ trip to Chelsea two days after the win at Wolves, but suffered a different injury against his former side.
What Marsch has said (17/03/22): "Lewis Bate and Jamie Shackleton both picked up injuries in that match so they might not be available.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Junior Firpo – knee
Junior Firpo was stretchered off in the 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa last week but following scans on his knee, it is not as severe as first feared. He could be back as soon as the trip to Watford in early April, which is set to be another six-pointer at the bottom of the table.
What Marsch has said (17/03/22): “They think it’s not so bad, it’s a little bit lighter, grade two. From the date of the injury, they think maybe three to five weeks.”
Potential return date: 09/04/22
Tyler Roberts – hamstring
Tyler Roberts will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury he picked up in the 1-0 defeat at Leicester City. Leeds are hopeful he will make a full recovery in the next three or four months.
What Marsch has said (09/03/22): “He had a successful surgery. He was in positive spirits. We’re hopeful he’ll make a full recovery in three or four months.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Leo Hjelde – knee
Leo Hjelde has also undergone surgery in recent weeks, but instead for a knee injury he sustained in the 3-0 defeat at Everton in February. If Marsch’s update before the break was accurate, then he could be back in full training this week.
What Marsch has said (17/03/22): “Leo is actually doing quite well, we’re hopeful that at the end of next week he might be in training.
Potential return date: 02/04/22
