Leeds United could be without up to six players for Sunday’s huge clash with Manchester United at Elland Road.
Of the seven currently injured, Junior Firpo is the most likely to return to the squad, although Stuart Dallas has not yet been ruled out.
The Leeds boss confirmed in his pre-match press conference that each of Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford, Liam Cooper and Leo Hjelde won’t be available this weekend, while young forward Sam Greenwood is also continuing his recovery from knee surgery.
Here is a look at the timeline of each of those injuries as well as what Bielsa has said in regard to their potential returns to fitness.
Stuart Dallas – unknown
It was a worrying sight for Bielsa and Leeds fans when Stuart Dallas limped off the field inside 10 minutes of the defeat at Everton.
However, it appears as though his injury is not serious and he could be fit for selection as soon as Sunday.
What Bielsa said (18/02/22): “Dallas is recovering. He hasn’t been discarded from Sunday’s game.”
Potential return date: 20/02/22
Leo Hjelde – knee
Dallas’ replacement at left back last week Leo Hjelde also failed to finish the game at Goodison Park as he limped off in the latter stages of proceedings.
Hjelde’s predicted return date is unclear as it stands, as he may yet require surgery depending on how it heals in the next three weeks.
What Bielsa said (18/02/22): “If the process in the next three weeks is effective, he would be available in that term. It could happen he may not recover in those 20 days, which would result in a surgery.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Patrick Bamford - foot
Patrick Bamford’s season has been ravaged by a number of different injuries and his most recent setback seems to have left him some way from being involved in the squad.
Prior to the Everton draw, he was still not out on the training pitch running due to the new issue that had been discovered in his foot.
What Bielsa said (10/02/22): “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
Kalvin Phillips – hamstring
As the predicted return date of March closes in, there is always optimism that a player may be able to return a little sooner than initially anticipated.
However, ahead of this weekend’s game, Bielsa has once again reiterated that Phillips is on track for a March return.
What Bielsa said (18/02/22): “Cooper and Phillips continue their normal processes. The objective is they get to March available. The medical calculation was 12 weeks and that has not changed.
Potential return date : 05/03/22
Junior Firpo – hamstring
Junior Firpo looks set to make his return to the squad for Sunday’s match after completing his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Firpo was pictured on the official Twitter account training with the rest of the group earlier this week and Bielsa has always targeted Man United as his comeback date.
What Bielsa said (11/02/22): “He is healthy, but we're not going to anticipate his return. We anticipate his return will be next week.”
Potential return date : 20/02/22
Liam Cooper – hamstring
Leeds’ official Twitter account released pictures of Liam Cooper back on the training pitch, with Phillips, last week and it appears as though his return will come at the same time.
Bielsa has refused to budge from his stance of a March return with everything appearing on track in his road to recovery.
What Bielsa said (18/02/22): “Cooper and Phillips continue their normal processes. The objective is they get to March available. The medical calculation was 12 weeks and that has not changed.”
Potential return date : 05/03/22
Sam Greenwood – knee
After undergoing knee surgery last month, it appears as though Greenwood is well on the road to recovery after he posted images on his Instagram of him in football boots.
That is a decent indicator that he is back running on the grass at least, however the club are yet to release when they are expecting him to return.
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
