Leeds United are in desperate need of a result ahead of hosting Aston Villa at Elland Road next Sunday. A run of four defeats in their last five has piled the pressure on Daniel Farke and his team ahead of a busy period in the Premier League calendar.
The Whites have looked listless in recent weeks. Other than a win over West Ham, Farke’s men have struggled and encountered defeats against Nottingham Forest and Burnley, two sides who are very much in the race to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.
Ahead of the international, the defeat at Forest was poor, and Leeds looked bereft of ideas as Sean Dyche recorded his first home win in the Premier League as Forest manager.
With a tough run of games coming up against teams such as Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea, Leeds are under serious pressure to get a result against Aston Villa at home, with Farke now fighting to save his job.
Aston Villa defender doubtful for Leeds clash
Ezri Konsa has been a rock at the back for Aston Villa this season and is one of the first names on Unai Emery’s team sheets. However, there are doubts over his involvement against Leeds on Sunday.
He returned early from international duty after suffering a tight calf, which prevented him from finishing training with Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
Aston Villa have not provided any further updates on the status of the defender’s problem, and there are question marks over whether he will be travelling to Leeds this weekend.
Emery is likely to provide more clues over his fitness during his pre-match press conference later this week, but for now, he is doubtful for the big game at Elland Road.
Midfielder Lamar Bogarde also returned from international duty early after the Dutch FA confirmed a small injury.
Tyrone Mings and Andres Garcia are long-term injury absentees and are unlikely to return to action any time soon.
If Konsa doesn’t play, it will be a big advantage for Leeds
Leeds are badly in need of some luck going their way, and Konsa’s injury during international duty could be exactly what they needed ahead of the Villa game.
If the England international is not fit to play on Sunday, Emery will be forced to make changes to his back four just as his team were returning to their groove this season.
Apart from missing a game due to suspension, Konsa has been ever-present in the Villa team this season and has been one of their most important players.
Leeds are struggling to create or score goals this season, and would welcome a chance to play against a makeshift back four against Villa in the 28-year-old’s absence.
The Whites are one of the lowest scores in the Premier League this season and need all the help they can get if they have to get a result against the Villans on Sunday.
