Here are your latest Leeds United morning headlines for Sunday, March 5.
Roberto De Zerbi issues Tariq Lamptey update ahead of Leeds United clash
Robert De Zerbi has revealed Tariq Lamptey's injury is "small" issue despite being forced off early in Brighton's 4-0 win over West Ham on Saturday.
The Ghanaian international attempted to carry on after coming off worst from a challenge in West Ham's box, and had to be replaced after 15 minutes.
READ MORE: Ayling's Summerville anger, Gracia's telling Leeds United touchline call and moments missed
Brighton went onto register an emphatic victory at the Amex courtesy of goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Joel Veltman, Kaoru Mitoma, and Danny Welbeck.
While De Zerbi downplayed the severity of Lamptey's injury, it remains to be seen if he will be fit for the upcoming matches, with Brighton travelling to Elland Road to face Leeds in their next outing.
"It is not a big injury. I think it is small," De Zerbi said after the game.
Javi Gracia's next Leeds United task laid bare as Illan Meslier header highlights attacking woes
Javi Gracia's has made Leeds United look a more solid outfit in his opening two Premier League fixtures but there remains work to be done in the final third. The story of the Whites season has previously been their defensive problems hindering their attacking free-flow.
However, after his 91st-minute header on target, Illan Meslier registered as many shots on target as any outfield Leeds player in their last two Premier League away matches. A positive performance at Fulham in the FA Cup made it look like the Whites had reignited their creative fire, but the end product in the final third let them down.
That was the same again this afternoon at Stamford Bridge. The Whites registered an expected goals of 1.53 at Craven Cottage in midweek as opposed to Fulham's lowly 0.19, but it was the home sides who ran out winners.
Leeds United failings could boil down to a four-day acid test for Javi Gracia
Waiting for Rodrigo
No sooner had Georginio Rutter stuck his hand up for Leeds United’s number nine role, than he had it snapped back down to his waist by Kalidou Koulibaly and co. Chelsea’s three-man backline had the Whites’ record signing so deeply pocketed, just five of his 14 passes found teammates and on six separate occasions he immediately lost possession with his first touch.
Rutter is not a number nine who can lead the line or play in attack on his own, especially against three centre-backs. More than ever, the 20-year-old looked like the inside forward or second striker Leeds had seemingly signed in January.
The Whites needed a striker in the winter window to make an immediate impact and Victor Orta produced Rutter, a prospect who, in two or three years, may end up being one of the best wide forwards in Europe. Unfortunately, on a day when injury again came between Rodrigo, Patrick Bamford and the pitch, Rutter was left ploughing a lone furrow and coming up short.
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