Leeds United injury list in full as Jesse Marsch…

Leeds United injury list in full as Jesse Marsch delivers mixed news on striker front

Leeds United will face their toughest test of the season so far as they host Chelsea at Elland Road on Sunday. The Whites are set to put their unbeaten start to the campaign on the line as they face one of the Premier League’s title contenders.

Despite the injuries at the start of this season, it has been a positive opening two games for Leeds having picked up four points so far. But Leeds will certainly need to be at their best tomorrow when Thomas Tuchel’s side visit West Yorkshire, and a strong squad would go a long way to helping that.

Here is a look at Leeds’ injury list in full following Jesse Marsch’s press conference on Friday.

Patrick Bamford – adductor

Bamford limped off in the first half of Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Southampton due to an issue with his adductor. Though Marsch claims a late decision will be made on his availability for Chelsea, Bamford has already indicated he will not be involved.

What Bamford said (Aug 19): “I’m alright to be fair. I’ve got a slight groin injury so I’ll probably miss the Chelsea game but I think that’s just part and parcel of coming back.

“I barely played or trained last year, I reckon the amount of times I trained from when I first got injured to the end of the season was probably less than 10, actually with the team.

“It was basically like a whole year out so it’s just kind of getting used to it again. Until Saturday when I felt it, I was feeling alright.”

Potential return date: 27/08/22

Joe Gelhardt – leg

Gelhardt was left out completely of the Leeds squad that headed down south to face the Saints. The 20-year-old will return to the squad for Chelsea, though, after overcoming a dead leg.

What Marsch said (Aug 19): "Joffy is back in training and ready to go."

Potential return date: 21/08/22

Liam Cooper - Achilles

Despite returning to training last week, Liam Cooper was not named on the bench for the trip to Southampton. Cooper has continued his recovery out on the grass this week, but is not expected to face Chelsea.

Marsch said (Aug 19): "Coops has been on the pitch. Him and Pat as well. They're a little bit day to day so we'll have to see how that factors in for Chelsea."

Potential return date: 27/08/22

Junior Firpo - knee

Firpo picked up an injury in Leeds' 4-0 pre-season win over Blackpool last month. Initially, Marsch said Firpo would be out for about eight weeks with the injury, but the left-back is already back out on the pitches doing ball work.

Marsch said (Aug 19): "Luke and Junior are really looking strong and getting better every day but not ready for Chelsea. We'll see, maybe both a week or two away."

Potential return date : 30/08/22

Luke Ayling - knee

Another player who is ahead of schedule is Ayling. The right-back went under the knife in May after suffering a knee injury. However, the 30-year-old could be back sooner than expected.

Marsch said (Aug 19): "Luke and Junior are really looking strong and getting better every day but not ready for Chelsea. We'll see, maybe both a week or two away."

Potential return date: 30/08/22

Stuart Dallas - leg

Having picked up a major injury against Manchester City towards the end of last season, Dallas isn't expected to return to action until 2023. Great news, though, as the Northern Irish man has been back running this week.

Marsch said (Aug 11): “Then Stuart Dallas, I saw on the pitch today, moving around a little bit. So that was an exciting moment for us.”