If all goes to plan, Leeds United could welcome Luis Sinisterra back to full training by the end of this week. That’s according to head coach Jesse Marsch, who was asked about the club’s fitness situation following the 2-2 draw with Cardiff City on Sunday and will have his fingers crossed that the winger takes the next step in his recovery without a hitch.
Sinisterra’s time in a Leeds shirt so far has been a tale of frustration. Injury and suspension have limited him to just nine Premier League appearances for the Whites and he hasn’t been seen since the club’s loss to Fulham in October due to a foot issue.
It was hoped that his time on the sidelines would be minimal, but Marsch revealed Lisfranc concerns in the build-up to the World Cup break and ruled him out until the New Year. After more than two months in the treatment room, though, Sinisterra’s arduous rehabilitation process is coming to an end.
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As such, once he steps into full training, Leeds fans know they won’t have too much longer to wait to see the man recruited to fill the shoes of Raphinha back in action and he could even feel like a new signing as he looks to finally build a head of steam at Elland Road. Despite missing the start of the campaign with a small injury, Sinisterra was one of Leeds’ brightest over the opening month.
Fleeting substitute appearances quickly became starts under Marsch and goals followed as he announced himself to Leeds and Premier League supporters. He bagged Leeds’ first in a comfortable Carabao Cup win over Barnsley and that was built on by efforts against Everton and Brentford.
All three finishes were from outside the area, beating the keeper with power and accuracy in his shot. A red card came in the draw with Aston Villa after a moment of naivety, but he was a creative spark when he returned to action against Arsenal on October 16.
Fortunately for Leeds, Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville have emerged in his absence to ensure the Colombian hasn’t been missed as much as he could have been. But, Marsch will be rubbing his hands together with glee as he prepares to welcome the 23-year-old back into the fold.
Sinisterra is far from guaranteed a starting spot, of course. Gnonto has done more than enough to pin down his place for the time being, while Summerville was in electric form prior to the injury he picked up in the World Cup break.
Jack Harrison and Brenden Aaronson have shown glimpses of the considerable talent their both possess, too, and Marsch could have another inside forward option should the club successfully land Hoffenheim's Georginio Rutter. However, Sinisterra will have a vital role to play as the season progresses, be that from the bench or the starting XI and he’ll be determined to build some consistency and show Leeds fans his very best.
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