One of the bigger games in Leeds United’s recent history awaits on Sunday as Jesse Marsch takes his side to Brentford for a final day showdown. A result of their own is vitally important but Whites supporters will be keeping an eye on proceedings at Turf Moor and the Emirates.
Pascal Struijk’s late equaliser against Brighton ensured Leeds will have definitely have something to play for in their 38th game and there is every likelihood that they will need a win. For such a huge match, Marsch would ideally want his best and most experienced players available but he will have to do without some of those through injury and suspension.
Here is a full breakdown of the absentees for Leeds heading into the final week of the campaign.
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Luke Ayling – suspension
It was a real moment of madness when Luke Ayling decided to dive in two-footed on Gabriel Martinelli at the Emirates. He was initially booked for the foul but was rightly sent off after Chris Kavanagh went across to take a second look at the incident on the VAR monitor.
He has only served two games of his three-match ban so he will not feature at Brentford.
Potential return date: Next season
Dan James – suspension
After Marsch made a point about his players removing the reckless nature from their game following Ayling’s dismissal, Dan James made an even worse tackle against Chelsea. His foul on Matteo Kovacic left Anthony Taylor with no choice but to show him a red card.
The first game of his ban was served at the weekend but he will still miss the final game of the season, as well as the first game of next term.
Potential return date: Next season
Patrick Bamford – foot
Unfortunately, Bamford was not deemed fit enough to be involved against Brighton on Sunday and all eyes will be on whether he can face Brentford this weekend. Marsch will be desperate to have the Leeds striker back, at least amongst the substitutes, for the trip to the capital.
What Marsch said (13/05/22) : “And then Patrick Bamford, it's a little bit too early to tell where he's at. We'll evaluate that over the next days and see what that looks like for the upcoming matches.”
Potential return date: Sunday, May 22 vs Brentford
Stuart Dallas – leg
Marsch will still be gutted that he will not have Stuart Dallas available for several months. The broken leg sustained by the Northern Ireland international will keep him out of action until towards the end of the year where, hopefully, he will be returning to a Premier League side.
What Marsch said ( 06/05/22) : "I think we can safely say it’ll be six months but it could be longer and I don’t think anyone wants to rush him."
Potential return date: Next season
Adam Forshaw – knee
Similarly to Dallas, the absence of Adam Forshaw in the Leeds is one that Marsch would have loved to avoid. However, that is the situation facing the Whites manager and he must continue to work in the knowledge that the 30-year-old will not available for a few more weeks.
What Marsch said (22/04/22) : "We had an unfortunate injury with Adam. He took a knock and fractured his knee cap. It’s a six-week injury, so that puts him out for the season. By summer, he’ll be back and ready to go."
Potential return date: Next season
Tyler Roberts – hamstring
Tyler Roberts is the third player on this list that was ruled out for the season earlier in the campaign after rupturing a tendon in his hamstring in Marsch’s first game at Leicester. He underwent surgery at the start of March and looks set to make a full recovery at some stage during June.
What Marsch said (31/03/22): "Tyler is looking good and feeling good and even though he won't be back this season, we feel like the surgery was a success and that he's on the start to a good path."
Potential return date: Next season
Crysencio Summerville – ankle
The final player on the Leeds injury list is Crysencio Summerville who twisted his ankle prior to the trip to Crystal Palace a few weeks ago. Marsch revealed, at the time, that he would not play again this season.
What Marsch said (28/04/22): "Picked up an injury in the last training [session] before the Palace match. He twisted his ankle and will be done for the season."
Potential return date : Next season
