Leeds United are out of competitive action for six weeks due to the World Cup break. An unprecedented winter tournament has placed the Premier League on a lengthy hiatus but could work to the Whites’ advantage.
Jesse Marsch has several key players on the treatment table who now have a perfect opportunity to come back firing on all cylinders. Injuries have been the bane of Leeds’ season and a lull in the fixture has come at an ideal time.
Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen are the only players heading to the World Cup so Marsch can prepare the bulk of his squad for their first game back against Manchester City on December 28. LeedsLive have profiled who is currently ruled out and when supporters can expect them to be back in contention.
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Stuart Dallas - Thigh
Marsch has stayed coy on outlining a return date for the Whites’ veteran - who is yet to make an appearance this season. A fractured femur is difficult to predict but, given Dallas has been out since April, hopes are high that he can return in the new year.
His versatility should prove essential to Leeds once he makes a comeback.
Jack Harrison - Knock
The 25-year-old was hooked at half-time against Bournemouth last weekend and was an outside chance to feature at Tottenham Hotspur. However, Marsch did not take any risks and kept him for after the World Cup.
Interest regarding Harrison’s future emerged during the summer - the last time top-fight clubs were on an extended break. Leeds fans will be hoping the winger commits his future to Elland Road.
Mateusz Klich - Knee
Marsch confirmed that the Pole had taken a knee-to-knee knock in the EFL defeat to Wolves. While the collision ruled him out for the trip to north London, it is not expected to see Klich endure a long-term lay-off.
Adam Forshaw - Ankle
Forshaw had only just returned from a lengthy knee injury before suffering a setback last month. Marsch revealed he should be available for the first game back with City.
He said before the Spurs trip: “Adam Forshaw has been training hard back out on the pitch and, if the Tottenham match was maybe three days later, we would consider him probably eligible for the match but it at least means that he should be ready when we get back after the World Cup.
Luis Sinisterra - Foot
Unfortunately for Leeds fans, they must wait a while to see Sinisterra in full flow. An awkward foot injury has ruled him out until after the World Cup break.
“Luis has a foot injury that turns out to be more than what we initially originally thought it was,” Marsch said. “He wasn't making the progress that we were hoping for him to make over the last 10 days. So they did another scan and then they had a specialist look at it, and they started to worry about it being a Lisfranc injury.
“It’s a rare injury that controls the movement of the metatarsals and when that is ruptured, it can be a long recovery. We don't believe it's ruptured. We believe it's partially torn, which puts him in a little bit of a grey area, but probably out until after the World Cup break.”
Patrick Bamford - Hip
Bad luck continues to plague Bamford as Marsch revealed he injured his hip while taking a penalty in training. The injury is not believed to be serious and the club will be hoping the extended break will let him finally reach full fitness.
Archie Gray - Ankle
At best, Gray could be in contention for the City clash but he is likely to be out until the New Year. The youngster is yet to make a Premier League appearance.
“So, Archie’s (injury) has turned into a little bit of an ankle issue,” Marsch said. “So we're in a situation with his age and he's still growing that we have to shut him down for about six to eight weeks. It's a little defect that he has in his ankle that kind of got highlighted when his toe got broken.
“It's unfortunate. I spoke to Archie a little bit today. He's obviously down about it, but we think given his age and his maturity, physical maturity, this is the best thing for him.”
Tyler Adams - Suspended
The American was dismissed in the closing stages of the 4-3 defeat to Tottenham and will miss the first game back at Elland Road. His fitness levels should be maintained as he will feature of the United States at the World Cup.
Leeds' only other suspension risk is World Cup-bound Rasmus Kristensen, who is on four yellow cards.
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