Leeds United will be looking to stretch their unbeaten run to four matches when they travel down to Watford this weekend. The Whites picked up another valuable point in their pursuit of Premier League survival with a 1-1 draw against Southampton on Saturday, as James Ward-Prowse's cancelled out Jack Harrison's opener.
It was a result that moved the Whites eight points clear of the relegation zone and in a stronger position to stay in the top-flight. They currently sit 16th and have some favourable fixtures to come in the run-in - with Brighton, Brentford and Watford all to play in their final seven matches.
However, Jesse Marsch will be hoping to have as many of his side available for the run-in. So, with that mind, LeedsLive have taken a look at the state of the Leeds squad at the moment.
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Joe Gelhardt - leg
Treatment was required by Joe Gelhardt at Elland Road on Monday night as he limped off with what has been described as a dead leg during the first half of Leeds United’s Premier League 2 clash with Crystal Palace. The 19-year-old began the match just two days after half an hour from the bench with the first team on Saturday and was predictably catching the eye when faced with under-23 opposition. He is set to be assessed this week.
Potential return date: Unknown
Patrick Bamford – foot
Patrick Bamford’s devastating season of injuries continued at Wolves after his withdrawal 23 minutes into proceedings. Unfortunately for Bamford, he is set to miss the next six weeks after suffering a full rupture of his plantar fascia, and it is now uncertain whether he will play again this season.
What Marsch said (18/03/22): "Following meetings with consultants earlier this week, we can confirm Patrick Bamford has ruptured his plantar fascia, which is an injury to the sole of the foot. On a positive note, Patrick will not require surgery. Whilst the recovery time for every athlete is different, it is expected that Patrick will be on the sidelines for a minimum of six weeks.”
Potential return date: Unknown
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. Bate was fit enough to return for the U23s’ trip to Chelsea two days after the win at Wolves, but suffered a different injury against his former side.
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 month 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: 09/04/22
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. He could be available for the trip to Watford this week.
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: 09/04/22
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