Leeds United’s trip to Oliva in Spain to participate in a mid-season training camp has given Whites fans an insight into any developments regarding the status of several player’s injuries. Below, we provide you with all the information you need to know concerning who’s fit, and who finds themselves on the sidelines.
Dani van den Heuvel – goalkeeper (broken vertebrae)
Perhaps the most reassuring news to break recently is the successful rehabilitation of young Dutch goalkeeper Dani van den Heuvel who suffered “a pretty severe neck injury” in a car crash in August, in the words of Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch.
Whilst the 19-year-old finds himself far down the pecking order in his position, most likely fourth choice keeper behind Illan Meslier, Kristoffer Klaesson and Joel Robles, his recent announcement on Instagram that he is taking part in the training camp in Spain is welcome news on a more purely human level than a footballing one.
Patrick Bamford – striker (minor groin surgery)
The luck of Leeds striker Patrick Bamford appears to have abandoned him again, as the club confirmed in an update yesterday [4 December] that he is absent from the training camp, due to being in Munich undergoing minor groin surgery.
Yet another addition to an already extant litany of injuries for Bamford will raise further questions concerning his dependability as Leeds’ number nine, if they weren’t there already.
With rumours circulating concerning back-up forward Joe Gelhardt leaving the club on loan in January, signing another forward during the transfer window now becomes an absolute priority. As good as Rodrigo’s form has been so far this season having scored nine goals in 13 appearances, the Whites can’t risk placing the massive responsibility of ensuring Premier League survival through goalscoring on his shoulders alone.
Junior Firpo – left-back (groin strain)
In the same update, the club confirmed that left-back Junior Firpo is also contending with his own groin problems, but unlike Bamford is set to join up with the squad at the Spain training camp later this week.
The Spaniard’s injury may be less severe than Bamford’s, but still stresses the importance of reinforcing at left-back, another area of the pitch where the Whites are decidedly weak.
Illan Meslier/Kristoffer Klaesson – goalkeepers (viral illnesses)
Both Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper Meslier and his back-up Klaesson are absent from the training camp due to both suffering from illness.
Their respective understudies, Robles and van den Heuvel, will be hoping to take advantage of this to show Marsch what they can do between the sticks.
Stuart Dallas – defender/midfielder (broken leg)
In more positive news, the talismanic figure of Stuart Dallas has travelled with the squad to Spain to focus on rehabilitation from his broken leg injury, according to a tweet from Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth.
These positive developments will be encouraging to Leeds fans everywhere, with the presence of Dallas on the pitch being sorely missed since he broke his leg in a 0-4 defeat to Manchester City in April of this year.
His continued recovery will also be a boost to Marsch, who will certainly be pleased by the fact that he may be able to make use of the Irishman’s versatility before the season ends.
Luis Sinisterra – winger (foot injury)
Like Dallas, Luis Sinisterra has also made the journey with the rest of the team and continues to recover from a foot injury sustained in Leeds’ 2-3 loss to Fulham in October.
Due to the nature of his injury, he will presumably return to action before Dallas, with his presence amongst the squad in Spain potentially indicating Whites supporters will see the tricky Colombian play again at some point in early 2023.
