Leeds United's winter training camp in Spain has not been without its problems with the club nursing several injury issues. Even after the absence of Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen due to the World Cup, Leeds were without eight players in the win over Elche and lost a further two during the 90 minutes.
The Whites make their return to Premier League action in just under three weeks' time, when they host Manchester City on December 28. While that does give them plenty of time to get some bodies back, a number of players will be touch and go, including Illan Meslier, who Jesse Marsch revealed after the game is suffering with glandular fever.
If he does not recover in time, that could hand Joel Robles the opportunity to make his Premier League debut for the club. In defence, Kristensen, Junior Firpo and Robin Koch look set to be back in full training next week, but Diego Llorente still requires two more weeks of rehab after hand surgery before his return.
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The aforementioned trio will be a welcome boost for Marsch given the shortage of options at the back against Elche. Further up the field, both Adams and Aaronson will also join training alongside Kristensen from next week, but the former will miss the match with City after picking up a red card in Leeds' final game before the break.
In-form winger Crysencio Summerville added to Leeds' injury woes on Thursday after picking up an ankle knock in the early stages of the 90 minutes. Marsch is hopeful it is not too bad, but the club will have not had time to run a full prognosis on the injury. It also feels unlikely Luis Sinisterra will be back fit as he continues his recovery from a foot problem.
Patrick Bamford was another to miss the win over Elche after undergoing minor groin surgery in Munich. Marsch expects him to available within two weeks, which would put him in contention for City, but it is difficult to see him starting.
Potential Leeds XI (4-2-3-1): Robles; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Struijk; Forshaw, Roca; Harrison, Aaronson, Gnonto; Rodrigo
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