Adam Forshaw opens up on injury hell
After two years out injured, Adam Forshaw has returned to the Leeds United midfield this season, putting on performances that many believed would be beyond him.
The midfielder has perhaps been the most consistent player in a season where Leeds have struggled for rhythm and it saw him sign a new contract last week. Unfortunately, he picked up a hamstring injury at the weekend but he hopes to be fit after the international break.
Forshaw has now spoken in-depth for the first time about the two years out, during which he wondered whether he might be forced into retirement. Speaking of the moment Leeds secured promotion, the 30-year-old has revealed that he didn't feel he could join in the the celebrations:
"It’s the worst time I’ve had in my career,” Forshaw told the Athletic.
"I was genuinely so pleased for everyone — the club, the lads, the fans — but for me it was the worst time. I couldn’t enjoy the promotion. That’s just the truth. The night when we were on the top floor (of Elland Road’s East Stand) and you saw us celebrating, the lads jumping up and down, I was sat crying to my wife. I couldn’t do anything else."
Forshaw also revealed that he went through several different surgeries, and a raft of injections, as well as dental surgery in a bid to discover the extent of the problem.
Bamford injury comes full circle
It was in the away fixture against Newcastle United which saw Patrick Bamford pick up the injury which kept him out for nine games.
The striker returned against Brentford, playing just over 20 minutes and scoring the stoppage time equaliser. However, he injured a hamstring in his celebrations, which saw him miss another seven Premier League games.
The striker had hoped to return to the fray in the home fixture against Newcastle United this weekend but Marcelo Bielsa revealed yesterday that whilst he has recovered from his hamstring injury, he has picked up a third injury which will keep him out of the game.
It is unclear when the striker will return.
Newcastle's transformed threat
Leeds will hope to beat Newcastle on Saturday, picking up three wins in the row for the first time this season. They beat the Magpies home and away last season, although they were only able to pick up a 1-1 draw earlier this season.
However, they need to be aware of a new threat in Eddie Howe's side. They have added two players in Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier but the important change is the positioning of Joelinton.
Their record signing is now playing in central midfield and looking a transformed player. His dribbling down the middle is a known issue that Leeds struggle with under Bielsa so they will need to find a way to keep him under wraps in the game if they want to come out with a win.
