Three new faces returned to Leeds United’s training ground this week. Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams and Rasmus Kristensen are all understood to have commenced their preparations for the return of the Premier League after their World Cup exertions.
However, with barely a few days worth of training in their legs when Real Sociedad arrive at Elland Road it seems unlikely Jesse Marsch will thrust them straight into the fray. There should, though, still be changes to the line-up which started at Elche.
Illan Meslier is not expected to be back from his bout of glandular fever, though ears will be primed for the latest on the goalkeeper from the head coach post-match. Cody Drameh was fancied as a starter by Marsch in Spain before deciding on Luke Ayling.
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The youngster is expected to again miss out on selection despite the January transfer window nearing. Robin Koch did not risk a calf niggle in the Elche game, but had trained on the morning of that game, suggesting it did not have the severity to put the Sociedad match at risk.
The German’s return should then mean Pascal Struijk reverts to his 2022/23 home at left-back. Marc Roca should continue in midfield and the smart money would be on Adam Forshaw to continue given his limited action this season, but Sam Greenwood could be a possibility if Marsch wants to experiment before Manchester City.
Jack Harrison looks a certainty on one flank, while Wilfried Gnonto seems the best bet in Crysencio Summerville’s injury absence on the other wing. Joe Gelhardt had started wide right in Spain, but Greenwood might be a temptation for Marsch in the slot behind Rodrigo on Friday night.
Predicted line-up: Robles; Ayling, Koch, Cooper, Struijk; Forshaw, Roca; Harrison, Greenwood, Gnonto; Rodrigo.
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