Competition breathing down Rasmus Kristensen’s neck is going to materialise sooner than he expected. Just as the right-back is getting his feet under the Elland Road table he’s going to find himself under the cosh.
Luke Ayling, United’s undisputed leader at right-back for six years, is ahead of schedule with his return from knee surgery. After seeing himself sent off at Arsenal, Leeds took the opportunity to clear up a long-standing problem by going under the knife.
While he will not be available to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening day, Ayling is on course to beat initial expectations it would be the autumn before he returns to full training. The 30-year-old is ahead of schedule and looks likely to be in full training next month.
READ MORE: Jesse Marsch's verdict on Leeds United's transfer chase and where their summer business is at
“He won’t be ready for the first match, but he’s ahead of schedule, so there’s a high possibility he can be training in August,” said head coach Jesse Marsch. “So, I don’t want to be too optimistic, but that’s where we’re at.”
Patrick Bamford was absent from the first public friendly of the summer on Thursday night as Leeds thrashed Blackpool 4-0. Any fears the number nine is injured once more were allayed by Marsch.
“Patrick, we decided to take it a little bit easier with him,” he said. “He played 45 minutes and played well last game and he should be ready to go, in part of training tomorrow (Friday), should be in training when we get started in Australia.
“One of the things with Patrick is just making sure, as we’re moving ourselves along, it’s not just how’s his foot doing, but it’s been nine, 10 months since he’s actively been a professional footballer, so we need to manage that effectively.”
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