Leeds United right-back Djed Spence is back in contention for selection for the Whites’ trip to Yorkshire rivals Rotherham on Friday evening, but star forward Georginio Rutter has been labelled a “major doubt” due to an abdominal strain picked up whilst on international duty with France’s Under-21s side.
Also available for selection are Joe Gelhardt and Jamie Shackleton, who have both been participating in team training alongside Spence this week.
Defenders Sam Byram and Pascal Struijk have also been back in training with the full group earlier today, with Leeds boss Daniel Farke claiming in his pre-match press conference this afternoon that they have both recovered from respective injury issues quicker than expected.
In a week where many members of the Leeds squad have been travelling Europe on international duty, with several of them featuring as recently as last night, Farke has admitted that it is important that their workload is managed carefully upon their return to domestic action.
When questioned on whether this meant that the Welsh players within his side – namely Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James – would be unavailable for Friday’s clash with the Millers, Farke claimed that he will be forced to start some of them due to the size of the squad at his disposal.
Many of his players will be subject to late calls regarding their eligibility to play on Friday however, with Rutter looking the least likely to feature in any capacity.
This means that Patrick Bamford, a figure who has gained the ire of many amongst the Elland Road faithful due to lacklustre performances in recent times, may be called up to deputise for the former Hoffenheim man in the lone striker role.
Rotherham currently sit in the Championship relegation zone on 11 points, four points adrift of safety.
Even with a slightly depleted squad, Farke will expect his side to secure another three points on Friday as they seek to close the gap between themselves and runaway league leaders Leicester City and Ipswich Town who find themselves joint top on 39 points apiece.
