Leeds United are set to be without the services of forward Joe Gelhardt and left-back Junior Firpo as they prepare to welcome tenth-placed Middlesbrough to Elland Road this Saturday.
Gelhardt’s absence is due to a hip issue that is not believed to be serious, but will keep him out of action this weekend.
Firpo’s injury, however, is set to see the defender sidelined for several weeks as he picked up a hamstring problem during a substitute appearance against Swansea City last Wednesday evening.
Daniel Farke is here for his pre-Boro presser.
Injury latest: Gelhardt out with a hip problem, Firpo out with a hamstring strain. Firpo likely to be out for three weeks. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) December 1, 2023
The setback will be a source of frustration for the Dominican after having only just made his first start of the season in a 1-1 draw with Yorkshire rivals Rotherham United last Friday following his recovery from a long-term issue.
Other than the loss of Gelhardt and Firpo Farke’s squad is as it was for the midweek fixture with the Swans, with the Whites boss having the unenviable problem of being spoilt for choice across most areas of the pitch.
Whether summer signing Djed Spence – who returned to the matchday squad against Swansea but is yet to make a start for Leeds in the right-back berth – will play a role in Farke’s starting XI against Middlesbrough remains to be seen, with talented youngster Archie Gray currently occupying that position and impressing whilst doing so.
A victory against Boro at the weekend will make it seven straight home wins for Leeds as they seek to continue applying pressure to Ipswich Town and Leicester who currently sit above them in the Championship table’s automatic promotion spots.
