Leeds United have had a superb start to life in the Premier League. We’re well over the halfway point and the Whites are in the battle for a top half finish and it seems unlikely they’ll be dragged into a relegation dog-fight at any point.
Their game with Wolves on Friday night could see the Whites go 5 points clear of the Wanderers in the table – a side who finished the last two seasons in 7th place – and back into the top half. But it won’t be easy for Marcelo Bielsa’s side. Not only did Wolves beat United at Elland Road 1-0 earlier this season but, according to PremierInjuries.com, Leeds have the second most in the league with 8.
It’s no secret that Leeds have struggled for fit centre-backs all season. Ben White’s return to Brighton after an impressive loan spell at Leeds meant Bielsa searched for centre-backs over the summer and brought in both German international Robin Koch and Spanish international Diego Llorente. However, both men have struggled with injuries this season. Koch has had surgery on a knee injury whilst Llorente is struggling with a muscle injury however Bielsa suggested he could feature in Friday’s game.
Another defender who won’t feature for Leeds is Gaetano Berardi. The fullback who can play anywhere across the defence, has been at Leeds since 2014 but hasn’t played a minute of Premier League football. Last July, he suffered an ACL injury against Derby which still sees him on the sidelines now. The positive news about his injury is that he’s back in training but a return to play is still a way off.
Leeds United have injuries further up the field too. Former Brentford midfielder Adam Forshaw continues to struggle with the hip injury that has kept him out since the beginning of last season. Meanwhile, it was feared the talismanic Mateusz Klich could also miss the game with a hip problem of his own however Bielsa’s pre-Wolves press conference revealed that he should be good to go come Friday night. Some hoped England international Kalvin Phillips would also be available but now that seems unlikely with the Leeds manager confirming his absence. The midfielder has impressed all season and looks set to feature for England at the Euros despite being plagued by injuries. He’ll be a big miss.
Like Phillips, Rodrigo won’t feature. Despite only scoring 3 goals in 19 appearances, the Spanish international has been an important creative spark for Leeds this season. They missed him against Arsenal and could miss him again against Wolves.
Nonetheless, United will still back themselves to do a job at Molineux as Wolves themselves struggle with injuries. Despite the absentees from both camps, it should be a fantastic game.
