As Leeds United gear up for their second consecutive home match against Bristol City this weekend, manager Daniel Farke has provided an injury update on the status of several of his players.
Jamie Shackleton, who was absent from the matchday squad for Leeds’ 1-0 victory against QPR at Elland Road on Wednesday evening, is set to miss out again due to a shoulder injury.
Full-back Sam Byram and winger Jaidon Anthony – who were both in Farke’s XI for the clash with Gareth Ainsworth’s side – are both also doubtful, with Anthony described as “50/50” following a rolled ankle and Byram facing a late fitness test.
Farke would face a dilemma of who to play at left-back were Byram deemed unfit to play considering that the other players who could fill the role, Shackleton and Junior Firpo, are both also injured.
It is possible that Pascal Struijk may be drafted into the position given that he featured there at several points last season, yet there will be an understandable hesitance to disrupt his impressive performances within the centre-back role so far this campaign. Youngster Leo Hjelde, who remains at the club despite being heavily linked with a move to Italy in the summer, is another option.
In terms of positives for the Elland Road faithful to take from Farke’s update, centre-back Joe Rodon – on loan from Tottenham for the season – is ready to feature despite requiring treatment during the match against QPR.
“Jamie will sadly miss the game, the shoulder is too painful. We need further assessment – he will definitely miss the game, bad news. With Sam Byram, we will wait and see – we need to make a late call,” Farke told the media this afternoon.
“The situation is better than it was the last time because he is more in his rhythm. We have another 24 hours, which makes a big difference. Not too concerned. Joe is alright. Welsh. No problem at all.
“Jaidon Anthony is 50/50. Knock on his ankle, sore. Yesterday he did it. Today is much improved and it looks like he could train but we will have to see. He is 50/50 if he is available.”
A victory against the Robins would make it two successive home wins for Leeds as Daniel Farke’s side attempt to generate momentum ahead of next week’s international break.
