Leeds United blew a big chance to move up in the table ahead of the international break. The Whites were at home to Brentford, but failed to make a big statement over the weekend.
Daniel Farke’s side lost their cushion above the relegation zone after back-to-back losses to Manchester City and Sunderland. And in the game before that against Crystal Palace, Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a crucial penalty that could have secured three points. Leeds still sit in 15th place in the Premier League, but there are just three points separating the other teams around the relegation zone.
Manchester United receive injury updates ahead of international break
The Whites return from the international break to an FA Cup clash against West Ham. Farke’s team breezed through to the quarter finals of the competition by beating Norwich in the previous round. Then a week later, they return to Premier League action against Manchester United.
Michael Carrick’s side have some injury concerns going into the break, with some players doubts to make the Leeds game. Matthijs de Ligt has a complicated back injury, and is expected to return before the end of the season. However, the Premier League clash will be too early for the Dutchman. Patrick Dorgu, who is also expected to be sidelined for a few weeks just returned to training, but may be a doubt to face Leeds.
Lisandro Martinez is expected to be available late next month, while Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko will be expected to feature when the two sides meet at Old Trafford in three weeks.
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Leeds United have a very difficult relegation run-in
Daniel Farke on the other hand, will be pleased that Noah Okafor returned to action against Brentford on Saturday. However, the winger was drafted in as a late replacement in the Switzerland squad for the international break. If nothing goes bad, the club should have a full compliment of players available after the break.
| Opponent | Home/Away |
|---|---|
| Manchester United | A |
| Wolverhampton Wanderers | H |
| AFC Bournemouth | A |
| Burnley | H |
| Tottenham Hotspur | A |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | H |
| West Ham United | A |
Leeds’ run in has a very difficult list of fixtures coming up; they face Wolves, Burnley, Spurs and West Ham – teams in the relegation battle. A run of games against teams threatened by relegation provide the perfect opportunity for three points. But looking at the Whites’ previous games, there is not much optimism. Farke must bring the best out of his team from now till the end of the season.
