Leeds United could benefit from an extended period on the training field in order to get more players up to speed. The Whites’ clash with Nottingham Forest on Monday night has been postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, while the trip to Manchester United remains uncertain at this stage.
Though Leeds have not yet suffered with injuries as severely as last season so far, the likes of Junior Firpo, Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford have all struggled for fitness. All but Firpo were in the squad for the 5-2 defeat at Brentford, but none were fit enough to start.
According to Jesse Marsch, Firpo was close to making the trip to the capital, but it came just too soon for Leeds’ only natural left back. This unexpected break in the season could allow all of the aforementioned players to continue getting up to speed and provide huge boosts to the squad.
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Leeds’ failure to add a senior striker to the squad in the summer means the pressure remains on Bamford to stay fit and the longer he can continue to train, the more confidence he will build. Ayling’s return also comes at the perfect time with Rasmus Kristensen reportedly set to miss the next three weeks.
Kristensen is still getting up to speed with the Premier League and is yet to display the attacking prowess Ayling did just 10 minutes into his return to the side when he provided an assist for Marc Roca’s goal. Firpo’s return to fitness will also provide Marsch the option to name a recognised left back in his side, which will also allow Pascal Struijk to revert back to his favoured centre back role.
Struijk, of course, will also be battling Cooper for that berth at left centre back, which Diego Llorente has occupied so far. Llorente’s form has been shaky in recent matches, though, and a left footed centre back in that role could provide the team with much better balance.
While this unexpected break in the season will undoubtedly be of frustration to Marsch, it could also be somewhat of a blessing in disguise given the last three results.
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