Leeds United will welcome back three faces to the squad for Wednesday night’s trip to Aston Villa.
Adam Forshaw, Jamie Shackleton and Charlie Cresswell are all available after recovering from their respective injury issues to hand Marcelo Bielsa a welcome boost.
The Whites return from their 17-day winter break hoping to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United last time out.
Leeds have been ravaged by injuries for much of this season so far and were without eight players against the Magpies.
But with a number of those said to be closing in on their returns to fitness, here is a look at how the injury list is shaping up.
Patrick Bamford – foot
Despite the winter break, it appears that Patrick Bamford is no closer to a return to action due to an ongoing foot injury.
Bamford is not even out on the grass running yet, which suggests he still remains a few weeks off making his comeback yet.
What Bielsa said (07/02/22): “ Bamford has not improved. He continues with the problems at the bottom of his foot, and he has not started jogging, so his situation continues the same way.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Adam Forshaw – hamstring
Forshaw missed the defeat against Newcastle after picking up a hamstring injury during the first half of the 3-2 win at West Ham.
The 30-year-old, though, is set to be fit for the trip to Villa Park after making a swift recovery.
What Bielsa said (07/02/22): “Shackleton, Forshaw and Cresswell are all healthy now.”
Potential return date: 09/02/22
Junior Firpo – hamstring
Similarly, to Forshaw, Firpo also limped off in the first half of the win at the London Stadium with a hamstring injury.
Thankfully the injury is not serious, however Aston Villa will come too soon for the full-back, with Everton looking more likely at this stage.
What Bielsa said (07/02/22): “The four players that we still don't count on are Firpo, who should be available for this weekend, or probably, because his injury involved his tendon, we may be cautious with his return.”
Potential return date: 12/02/22
Jamie Shackleton – heel
Shackleton has not featured for the Whites since he was forced off in the first half of the 7-0 defeat to Manchester City in mid-December.
He is set to return to the squad against Aston Villa, though, after making a full recovery from his injury.
What Bielsa said (07/02/22): “Shackleton, Forshaw and Cresswell are all healthy now.”
Potential return date: 09/02/22
Charlie Cresswell – shoulder
Like Shackleton, Cresswell should also make his return to the squad against Steven Gerrard’s side.
He has now fully fit following a dislocated shoulder injury he picked up in training in the days leading up to the December defeat against Arsenal and played the full 90 minutes of the under-23s win over Liverpool at Elland Road on Monday evening.
What Bielsa said (07/02/22): “Shackleton, Forshaw and Cresswell are all healthy now.”
Potential return date: 09/02/22
Kalvin Phillips – hamstring
Phillips is closing in on a return to full fitness two months on from the 2-2 draw with Brentford, when he suffered a hamstring injury.
Leeds revealed via their social media that both Phillips and Cooper were back on the grass last week, with Bielsa today confirming he is very close.
What Bielsa said (07/02/22): “Cooper and Phillips are in the final stages of their recovery from their operations.”
Potential return date: 05/03/22
Liam Cooper – hamstring
Cooper is also targeting a return from injury in March after suffering the same injury, in the same match as Phillips.
He is on track to make a full recovery at the same time as Phillips.
What Bielsa said (07/02/22): “Cooper and Phillips are in the final stages of their recovery from their operations.”
Potential return date: 05/03/22
Sam Greenwood – knee
After being handed his full debut for the club in the 2-0 FA Cup third round defeat at West Ham, Greenwood had to be substituted at half time due to injury.
Despite not showing signs of any problems on the pitch, Greenwood has had to undergo surgery on his knee and is expected to miss the next few weeks.
What has been said (14/01/22): “Sam has undergone successful surgery on a knee injury sustained in the FA Cup tie vs West Ham.”
Potential return date: Unknown
