Leeds United are already facing some injury concerns, with Tottenham Hotspur loanee Manor Solomon now doubtful for this weekend’s match against Cardiff City.
Moreover, one pundit believes the forward’s injury couldn’t come at a worse time. According to the BBC’s Adam Pope, Solomon’s availability for this crucial away match is uncertain as Leeds look to secure a win and climb back into the top six.
“Leeds United winger Manor Solomon is the major injury doubt with a back problem ahead of Saturday’s Championship fixture at Cardiff City,” Pope wrote on X Thursday. “Patrick Bamford expected to be involved.”
Can Leeds over Manor Solomon’s injury?
Dan Bardell from Sky Sports thinks Leeds United might struggle with squad depth if injuries to Manor Solomon and Dan James keep them sidelined.
“Leeds are taking a few hits at the moment,” Bardell told MOT Leeds News. “They can’t afford to be without too many players at one time and obviously they’ve lost a few attacking players.
“It’s a blow to lose Solomon because I’m not convinced they’ve got the squad depth at the moment to cover a mass of injuries. Losing two key players who play in the same position is a blow.“
The Championship is a long and grueling league, and one journalist questioned whether it was wise to pursue Solomon, considering his injury history.
Last season alone, the 25-year-old missed 33 games due to a meniscus injury. In the 2022-23 season, he was sidelined for 17 matches after undergoing knee surgery. While his current issues aren’t related to his back, once a player gets labeled as injury-prone, it’s hard to shake that reputation.
Journalist Graham Smyth cited the concerns over Solomon and noted that they should’ve made a stronger effort to secure Roland Sallai, who ultimately ended up at Galatasaray this past summer window.
“Manor Solomon, a lot of people had concerns over his injury record,” Smyth said while speaking on Inside Elland Road Podcast. “He’s got a back issue this week and the biggest question mark of all is over him. Numbers and height: they should have got Sallai.
“Roland Sallai, big lad, can play everywhere, especially 10. They should have got him, they should have got him, there can be no real debate about that now can there?”
