Leeds United’s injury worries took another hit in the first-half against Crystal Palace as Adam Forshaw was substituted on the half-hour mark. The midfielder was seemingly brought off as a precautionary measure, but a pitch side conversation with Whites physio Rob Price hinted at something a little more.
Friday’s so-called friendly was another feisty affair in the first-half, with four yellow cards and heavy challenges from both sides forcing Jesse Marsch to have words with the Palace bench. Colombian winger Luis Sinisterra was taken off with a suspected hamstring injury after going to ground under minimal contact.
And Forshaw was on the receiving end of some clumsy challenges from Palace players before jogging off on the half-hour mark. The timing of the substitute suggested it may have been planned, but the 30-year-old had a brief conversation with Price on the touchline before going straight down the tunnel to be replaced by Marc Roca.
READ MORE: Leeds United vs Crystal Palace LIVE: Confirmed team news as Luis Sinisterra starts
The state of the pitch - again questionable - also increased anxiety among Whites players and staff, with the all-purpose, multi-sport pitch struggling to hold up. The Australian referee was quick to brandish yellow cards, perhaps conscious of Leeds’ previous ‘friendly’ against Aston Villa.
Diego Llorente clattered into Jean Phillipe Mateta from behind to earn Leeds’ single first half booking, with Palace players picking up the other three. Tyler Adams and Jordan Ayew squared up shortly before half-time after coming together.
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