Leeds United can take a huge step towards Premier League safety with a win at Watford on Saturday. The Whites can open up a considerable gap to the bottom three and significantly, push their weekend opponents further into relegation trouble.
Jesse Marsch’s side come into the game on the back of a good run of form, picking up seven points from their last three matches. Ahead of another crucial fixture, Marsch addressed the press on Thursday, providing updates on the state of the squad and so with that in mind, we have taken a look at Leeds’ injury list in full.
Joe Gelhardt - leg
Treatment was required by Joe Gelhardt at Elland Road on Monday night as he limped off with what has been described as a dead leg during the first half of Leeds United’s Premier League 2 clash with Crystal Palace. The 19-year-old, though, could be fit for the weekend providing he comes through Friday’s training session unscathed.
READ MORE: Leeds United news as Whites named third 'most watchable' in Europe and Marsch issues Gelhardt update
What Marsch said (07/04/22): “I didn’t include him at the start because he has not trained every day this week, but we think he trains tomorrow and then available at the weekend.
Potential return date: 09/04/22
Patrick Bamford – foot
Patrick Bamford’s devastating season of injuries continued at Wolves after his withdrawal 23 minutes into proceedings. Unfortunately for Bamford, he is set to miss the next six weeks after suffering a full rupture of his plantar fascia, and it is now uncertain whether he will play again this season.
What Marsch said (31/03/22): "Unfortunately, he ruptured a small part of [plantar fascia]. He’s already feeling better than he felt before. So, we’re hopeful that the six week prognosis that we gave is accurate.”
Potential return date: 15/05/22
Jamie Shackleton – calf/shin/heel
Jamie Shackleton has been absent for the last two matchday squads after picking up a knock in the U23’ 3-0 win over Manchester United last month. He is now close to returning to training, though, which means it shouldn’t be too long until his return to action.
What Marsch has said (07/04/22): “Jamie almost ready to train but not quite.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Junior Firpo – knee
Junior Firpo was stretchered off in the 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa last month but following scans on his knee, it is not as severe as first feared. He could return to action later this month, though.
What Marsch has said (07/04/22): “Junior [is] making good progress.”
Potential return date: 25/04/22
Tyler Roberts – hamstring
Tyler Roberts will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury he picked up in the 1-0 defeat at Leicester City. Leeds are hopeful he will make a full recovery in the next three or four months.
What Marsch has said (31/03/22): “Tyler is looking good and feeling good and even though he won’t be back this season, we feel like the surgery was a success and that he’s on the start to a good path.”
Potential return date: 27/06/22
Leo Hjelde – knee
Leo Hjelde has also undergone surgery in recent weeks, but instead for a knee injury he sustained in the 3-0 defeat at Everton in February. He could be available for the trip to Watford this week.
What Marsch has said (31/03/22): “Back in training a little bit this week. So he won’t be available for the weekend.”
Potential return date: 09/04/22
