The injury problems at Leeds United finally seem to be showing signs of easing.
Patrick Bamford made his long-awaited return to a matchday squad on Saturday as he was included amongst the substitutes in the defeat at Leicester.
Jesse Marsch opted against bringing on the England striker possibly aware that the risk of an aggravation of his injury would not be worth the 10 minutes he would contribute.
The new boss will have seen throughout the match just how much he needs Bamford back in the side as a number of big chances were passed up by his team mates.
He will be desperate to have him available for selection from the start in Thursday’s crunch match against Aston Villa at Elland Road.
However, given his current fitness situation, it is unlikely the 28-year-old would be able to play on Thursday and then again on Sunday, against Norwich.
As for Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips, who are both back in training after lengthy hamstring injury-induced lay-offs, they too will be hoping to return for Sunday’s clash considering its importance.
Marsch will know that Leeds’ hopes of staying in the Premier League largely rest on the shoulders of the absent trio. If he is able to get them back in the squad within the next two games, those chances are increased immeasurably, especially if they are able to hit the ground running.
Diego Llorente was also unavailable for the trip to Leicester but, judging by his new manager’s pre-match comments, he will hopefully be back for at least one of the two matches over the next seven days.
Whether Tyler Roberts will be in the squad for either of those games remains to be seen after he was playing on one leg for the last 10 minutes against the Foxes.
He was involved in a tough challenge with Daniel Amartey after coming on from the bench and, after Marsch had made all three of his changes, clearly didn’t want to reduce his side to 10 men.
Elsewhere, Leo Hjelde is unlikely to play any part in first-team games between now and the end of the season as he still recovers from a knee injury. In the coming days and weeks, the club are expected to make a decision on whether he will need surgery or not.
Marsch will be desperate for his side to come through this week’s training sessions unscathed as they prepare for their two biggest games of the season.
