The job facing Jesse Marsch at Leeds United is one significantly worsened by the ongoing injury problems at the club.
Marcelo Bielsa was ultimately unable to make the most of the squad he had available and a seriously poor run of form led to a very unpopular decision over the weekend.
The hierarchy at Elland Road felt they had little other choice than to relieve the Argentine of his duties in West Yorkshire and subsequently made the swift decision to appoint Marsch.
The new head coach will be well aware of the size of the task at hand over the next few months in the knowledge that the club have been plagued by injuries.
The issues have subsided to some degree over the last couple of weeks but there are still a handful of key absentees.
Despite being disappointed following the heavy defeat against Tottenham, at least the team came through the match unscathed.
However, the absences of both Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper continue to be felt and the pair do not seem as though they will be available as early as initially expected.
We have taken a look at each of the injuries at the club and what has been said regarding potential return dates.
Patrick Bamford – foot
It has been a horror season for Patrick Bamford as he has made just six Premier League appearances. Leeds have badly missed the England striker and it is fair to assume that worries of relegation wouldn’t be nearly as bad had he been available on more occasions.
His most recent setback now begs the question of whether he will be involved prior to the end of the season.
What Bielsa said (25/02/22): "He is not on the grass and probably we will see him before the end of the season."
Potential return date: Unknown
Kalvin Phillips – hamstring
Another of Leeds’ England contingent has been sorely missed by everyone at the club since he hobbled out of the draw against Brentford.
The date of his return to the side is something fans will have been regularly checking as they know only too well how important he is to the team.
It initially seemed like he would be involved against Leicester but that seems extremely unlikely now.
What Bielsa said (25/02/22): "With the prediction they were going to be available in early March, it doesn't seem like that's going to be the case."
Potential return date: 13/02/22 vs Norwich City
Liam Cooper – hamstring
While Liam Cooper had been struggling for form prior to his injury, which happened in the game as Phillips’, those at Leeds would love to have him available for selection.
He would certainly help in some way to solve the recent defensive problems but he seems as though he too will have to wait for later this month for a return.
What Bielsa said (25/02/22): "With the prediction they were going to be available in early March, it doesn't seem like that's going to be the case."
Potential return date: 13/02/22 vs Norwich City
Leo Hjelde – knee
In his very brief game time for Leeds this season, Leo Hjelde was showing how useful he could be in the years to come.
However, he picked up a potentially season-ending knee injury in the defeat against Everton, putting a likely end to any chance of further first-team exposure this term.
The Whites are still unsure as to whether the 18-year-old will require surgery on the problem in the days and weeks to come.
What Bielsa said (18/02/22): "If the process in the next three weeks is effective, he would be available in that term. It could happen he may not recover in those 20 days, which would result in a surgery."
Potential return date: Unknown
Sam Greenwood – knee
Sam Greenwood is another Leeds player who has seen his progress significantly affected by a serious knee injury.
He underwent surgery back in January but is now on the comeback trail and played all 90 minutes of the under-23s 1-1 draw at Tottenham on Monday evening, scoring a second-half penalty.
With five days between matches, Greenwood will hoping to be in contention to return to the first team at Leicester City.
What Bielsa said (14/01/22): "Sam has undergone successful surgery on a knee injury sustained in the FA Cup tie vs West Ham."
Potential return date: Available
