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Kieran King

The impact injuries could have on the relegation battle as Leeds United rivals' worries mount

The battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League looks set like it could go down to the wire. Whilst Norwich City look doomed to the drop, Watford, Everton, Burnley, Leeds United and Brentford are all still in the running to stay in the division.

Although Newcastle United sit nine points ahead of the bottom three, they have played two more matches than some teams down there and could still be dragged into the fight - but it is unlikely given their up-turn in form. With six teams, including Leeds, fighting to avoid the final two relegation places, the teams who stay as clear of injuries as possible could well be the ones to beat the drop.

Leeds face injury doubts to the likes of Patrick Bamford and Illan Meslier, but what about their relegation rivals? Here are how the clubs at the bottom are shaping up fitness-wise.

Read more: Sergio Gomez profiled as Leeds United linked with 'talented' Anderlecht left-back

Newcastle United

Current injuries: Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson

Eddie Howe was provided with a massive fitness boost when Allan Saint-Maximin returned to face Chelsea and Everton last week. He is expected to return to full fitness over the international break and ready for the run-in.

Kieran Trippier, however, may not return before the end of the campaign with a foot problem and Callum Wilson is anticipated to be back for the trip to Norwich on Saturday, April 23. Dan Burn, Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Willock are expected to recover from knocks and be available for the trip to Tottenham.

Brentford

Current injuries: None

Thomas Frank currently has a fully-fit squad to choose from, with Christian Eriksen having recently recovered after testing positive for Covid-19.

Everton

Current injuries: Andros Townsend, Donny van de Beek, Tom Davies, Fabian Delph, Yerry Mina, Tyler Onyango

Everton have struggled to field their strongest XI at any moment of time this season due to multiple injuries and suspensions. And Frank Lampard's side were dealt another huge blow as it was confirmed that Andros Townsend would miss the remainder of the season with a knee issue.

Tom Davies is also expected to miss a sustained period of time with a hamstring problem, while Yerry Mina, Asmir Begovic and Donny van de Beek are set to be back after the international break. Dominic Calvert-Lewin got a much-needed 45 minutes in the FA Cup against Crystal Palace following illness.

Watford

Current injuries: Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Nkoulou, Kwadwo Baah

Having secured a 2-1 win over Southampton earlier this month, Watford head into the two-week break in positive mood and their injury list seemed to shorten after the Saints game. Joshua King, Kiko Femenia, Jeremy Ngakia and William Troost-Ekong all returned for that clash, leaving themselves available for the run-in.

Meanwhile, club-record signing Ismaila Sarr remains out with a hamstring issue but could be back to face Liverpool on April 2, with Nkoulou and Baah facing a longer spell on the sidelines. Like Everton, Watford have struggled to keep a fully fit squad for the majority of the season.

Burnley

Current injuries: Ben Mee, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Matej Vydra, Erik Pieters, Dale Stephens

It has been an up and down season for Burnley, who seemed to get their season back on track in February, picking up seven points from a possible nine against Brighton, Tottenham and Crystal Palace. However, an injury to Ben Mee has halted their progress and played a part in their 2-0 defeat against Leicester City.

Sean Dyche's side have a number of other injuries to deal with, too, with Johann Berg Gudmundsson looking like the most long-term out of the four above. The other three, though, could return after the international break.

Norwich City

Current injuries: Andrew Omobamidele and Adam Idah

Having come out of the Leeds clash supposedly unscathed, Norwich have just two major injury concerns to worry about. Omobamidele suffered a back issue last month but could return before the end of the season, while Idah is expected not to feature until 2022/23.

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