Leeds United’s incredible 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday evening did not come without its cost. Jesse Marsch was forced into making four enforced changes due to injuries, with Patrick Bamford, Diego Llorente, Mateusz Klich (concussion) and Illan Meslier all being forced off.
The Whites did not let that affect them, though, as they came back from 2-0 down against the 10 men of Wolves to comeback and earn their second successive victory. So with that in mind, here is a look at the state of play in Leeds’ treatment room ahead of the international break.
READ MORE: Leeds United players react to 'huge' season-defining win against Wolves
Patrick Bamford – ankle
After coming through 45 minutes against Norwich City on Sunday seemingly unscathed, Bamford lasted just 23 minutes at Molineux with seemingly the same foot issue that has been plaguing him for a number of months. Marsch, though, seemed optimistic after the game that the problem is not too serious, leaving hope he could be back for Southampton in a couple of weeks.
What Marsch said (18/03/22): “I think his plantar faciitis [has] been sensitive over the last couple of weeks. Obviously, was very disappointed and then the reaction can look like it’s a bad injury but I don’t think it is.
Potential return date: 02/04/22
Diego Llorente – back
Diego Llorente was another Leeds player to be withdrawn in the first half on Friday with a problem that has been causing him trouble for a number of weeks. Llorente missed the 1-0 defeat at Leicester City earlier this month with a back problem, but again, Marsch is hopeful that he will be fine for after the break.
What Marsch has said (18/03/22): “Diego had a little bit of a back spasm, which has been bothering him a little bit here and there, so probably means he’ll stay here for the national team break, and we’ll treat him and get him back to full health.”
Potential return date: 02/04/22
Mateusz Klich – head
And the third player to be substituted in the first half due to injury was Mateusz Klich, who suffered a big blow to the head in an collision with his own player, Robin Koch. Given there is a two-week break now until the next game, it is unlikely he will miss any matches.
What Marsch has said (18/03/22): “Mateusz had a concussion, but he seems to be okay.”
Potential return date: 02/04/22
Illan Meslier – hip
Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier has claimed he is ‘doing well’ despite his second half substitution due to injury in Friday’s 3-2 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Meslier was replaced by debutant to Kristoffer Klaesson in the 10 th minute of the second half after a challenge with Raul Jimenez, that saw him receive a second yellow card.
What Marsch has said (18/03/22): “He picked up a bit of like a hip contusion and we’ll see what that looks like in the next coming days, but I don’t think it’s too bad.”
Potential return date: 02/04/22
Raphinha – Covid
Winger Raphinha missed the win at Molineux after testing positive for Covid-19 prior to the game in the West Midlands. Marsch is unsure whether he will travel to Brazil for their two World Cup qualifiers in the coming days, but he will almost certainly be fit for the game against Southampton.
What Marsch has said (18/03/22): “You’re not allowed to travel with the restrictions so yeah, we’ll have to evaluate the situation with him. So let’s see what happens. We just got to go a little bit day by day with him.”
Potential return date: 02/04/22
Jamie Shackleton/Lewis Bate – unknown
Both Jamie Shackleton and Lewis Bate missed the game at Molineux after picking up knocks in the U23s’ 3-0 win over Manchester United earlier in the week. Marsch, though, did not delve into too much detail on the severity of their injuries.
What Marsch has said (17/03/22): "Lewis Bate and Jamie Shackleton both picked up injuries in that match so they might not be available.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Junior Firpo – knee
Junior Firpo was stretchered off in the 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa last week but following scans on his knee, it is not as severe as first feared. He could be back as soon as the trip to Watford in early April, which is set to be another six pointer at the bottom of the table.
What Marsch has said (17/03/22): “They think it’s not so bad, it’s a little bit lighter, grade two. From the date of the injury, they think maybe three to five weeks.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Tyler Roberts – hamstring
Tyler Roberts will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury he picked up in the 1-0 defeat at Leicester City. Leeds are hopeful he will make a full recovery in the next three or four months.
What Marsch has said (09/03/22): “He had a successful surgery. He was in positive spirits. We’re hopeful he’ll make a full recovery in three or four months.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Leo Hjelde – knee
Leo Hjelde has also undergone surgery in recent weeks, but instead for a knee injury he sustained in the 3-0 defeat at Everton in February. Marsch is hopeful he will be back in full training within the next week or so.
What Marsch has said (17/03/22): “Leo is actually doing quite well, we’re hopeful that at the end of next week he might be in training.
Potential return date: 02/04/22
