Leeds United ended a run of six consecutive defeats with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Norwich City at Elland Road on Sunday.
Joe Gelhardt netted a 94th minute winner for the Whites, who were pegged back just moments earlier through Kenny McLean’s goal.
Rodrigo Moreno handed Leeds the lead early in the first half and in truth, the game should have been over by the interval with Jesse Marsch’s side having missed a number of chances.
Leeds remain 16th in the Premier League table and four points ahead of the bottom three, with a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers to come on Friday.
Ahead of that game, here is a look at how Leeds’ injury list is shaping up.
Liam Cooper – hamstring
After missing over three months of action, captain Liam Cooper is now very close to making his return from a hamstring injury.
Cooper picked up the problem in the 2-2 draw with Brentford in December but took part in full training last week.
What Marsch has said (Mar 3): “Liam was in [full] training yesterday.”
Potential return date: 02/04/2022
Kalvin Phillips – hamstring
Midfielder Kalvin Phillips has also been missing since the clash with Brentford back in December with the same injury as Cooper.
While Phillips is also close to making his return to the squad, Marsch admitted last week he is a little behind Cooper.
What Marsch has said (Mar 3): “Kalvin is a few days behind. In my mind I’m earmarking the international break to get back him back into regular training.”
Potential return date: 02/04/2022
Leo Hjelde – knee
Young defender Leo Hjelde was forced to undergo surgery on his knee two weeks ago after picking up an injury in the 3-0 loss at Everton.
Hjelde, though, is looking at a fairly quick recovery as the injury is not thought to be overly serious.
What Marsh has said (Mar 9): “He had surgery last Wednesday. Seven or eight days. Immediate feedback is that it was not so severe. His knee hasn’t reacted, he has full ROM. Recovery looking like a matter of weeks rather than months.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Tyler Roberts – hamstring
Tyler Roberts has also recently gone under the knife after suffering a very serious hamstring injury against Leicester City.
Roberts picked up the injury just a few minutes after coming on but stayed on the pitch for the remainder of the match and is now set to be out for three months.
What Marsch has said (Mar 9): “He had a successful surgery. He was in positive spirits. We’re hopeful he’ll make a full recovery in 3-4 months.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Junior Firpo – knee
Left-back Junior Firpo was stretchered off in last week’s 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa after picking up a knee injury in a challenge with Emi Buendia.
No timescale has yet been provided on his recovery, however Marsch confirmed last week that it looks fairly serious.
What Marsch has said (Mar 10): “We don’t know yet, but it’s probably something on the inside of his knee, like an MCL. So we’ll evaluate and see where he’s at.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Rodrigo – quad
Much to the surprise of some supporters, Rodrigo was substituted just before the hour mark in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Norwich.
Rodrigo was playing one of his best games for the club, however Marsch confirmed after the game he was suffering with a bit of tightness in his quad.
What Marsch has said (Mar 13): “And Rodrigo will have to see I think he had a little bit of tightness in his quad. I don’t think it would be classified as an injury, but we just have to see how he recovers over the next days.”
Potential return date: 18/03/2022
