Leeds United have just 11 days to prepare for the new Premier League season with one friendly left for Jesse Marsch to explore the options at his disposal. After five friendlies, including one behind closed doors, there are still vital minutes to be put into legs before Wolverhampton Wanderers roll into town.
The obvious names lagging behind everyone else have had injury problems to contend with. Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling were accounted for before the summer started, while Junior Firpo and Liam Cooper have picked up issues since they returned for pre-season.
The left-back is unlikely to be in contention for several more weeks, but if the captain’s Achilles problem is as close to recovery as Marsch says, Cooper may have a chance for this weekend. Cagliari will be the Scotland international’s last chance for game time, but even with 45 minutes to an hour on Sunday, he will be undercooked going into the competitive action.
READ MORE: Sam Greenwood's quality is forcing Jesse Marsch into 'not fair' Leeds United calls
Luis Sinisterra has only had around 70 minutes on the field in a Leeds shirt. After two half-hour bursts, his first start was cut short after that hamstring injury on Friday.
Even if the Colombian is feeling better this week, Marsch may choose to give him an extra six days to recover before Wolves arrive rather than risk another injury against Cagliari. Adam Forshaw is the other doubt, but with 135 minutes already under his belt, he is in a better place.
Tyler Adams is on 140 and should be expected to start on Sunday alongside Marc Roca (195 minutes). Darko Gyabi (75) and Archie Gray (90) could do with some more pitch time, but Marsch may prefer to give his first-choice pivot more time together in a match scenario.
In Sinisterra’s possible absence, Crysencio Summerville (105) would benefit from a start and prolonged minutes. However, Marsch’s reaction on Friday, which moved Brenden Aaronson (150) out wide and put Rodrigo (170) through the centre, may be replicated this weekend.
Jack Harrison (255) has played more public minutes than anyone else in the squad this summer and may only need a half on Sunday to sharpen up. Sam Greenwood (170) has played in each of the four friendlies too.
Daniel James (135) could do with another half at least, but his suspension for the opening day makes him less of a priority than others. Mateusz Klich (105) needs 90 minutes, but his place in the pecking order may keep him on the bench again this weekend.
In defence, left-back persists as the big question mark. With Diego Llorente (165) needing another 60 to 90 minutes in the middle, Pascal Struijk (240) may be free to try out down the left again.
Leo Hjelde (65) is in dire need of more pitch time though and could be Marsch’s latest trial from the start at left-back. Robin Koch (240) has played plenty this summer, while Rasmus Kristensen (195) could add another 45 minutes to the full 90 he had in Perth.
Cody Drameh (135) looks increasingly likely to remain at Elland Road beyond the end of the window and could do with at least a half on Sunday, assuming he is over the hamstring niggle he had in Australia. Illan Meslier (225) is sure to start on Sunday with the season less than a week away, even though Kristoffer Klaesson (135) is down on pitch time.
Patrick Bamford (135) is only half an hour down on Joe Gelhardt (165) in public minutes, though it remains unclear how long everyone had behind closed doors against Stoke City. After 30, 60 and 45-minute stints in Australia, a full 90 may be a temptation on Sunday for Bamford.
READ NEXT:
Change aplenty at Leeds United Women as Rick Passmoor returns for second spell with club
Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha's classy messages to Leif Davis as defender departs Leeds United
Leeds United close in on new U21s boss as former England coach linked
De Ketelaere, Terrier, Kalimuendo, Harrison, Bate and Leeds United transfers state of play
Leeds United confirm departure of defender to League One side Ipswich Town
