Jesse Marsch has given updates on the fitness of some of his key men ahead of this weekend’s fixture against Southampton at Elland Road.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the American confirmed Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper are both in consideration to return to the starting line-up against the Saints after the pair recovered from hamstring problems, although both are unlikely to start to avoid the risk of requiring two enforced substitutions.
“They’re both in contention to start, probably not 90 minutes fit but really close. They’re both feeling good, and we’re excited to have them in the group. They can have a massive impact.”
Raphinha was absent from the victory over Wolves after contracting Covid but the Brazilian has since recovered over the international break and Marsch believes, alongside some backroom staff who also caught the virus, all should be available at the weekend.
Leo Hjelde and Jamie Shackleton have both returned to training but remain some way short of a place in the match-day squad, whilst Junior Firpo is getting closer but slightly further back in his recovery.
Meanwhile the striker spot still remains a unknown quantity,with Marsch admitting Joe Gelhardt was being considered for a starting role against Wolves before picking up a knock.
“Yeah, it was a shame because we wanted him – we were considering him to start against Wolves. And then the whole week he didn’t train because… he just had this back spasm that prevented him a little bit from training.”
“When you talk about the striker position, certainly Sam Greenwood I thought played really well in Wolves off the bench and we kind of used him for a little bit as the striker position and then one of the 10s and then we have Joffy. And, certainly with me and with us in this process, we have to get him going more and more and more. So certainly he will play a much bigger role now going forward.”
And whilst he won’t be available for a few weeks, the American confirmed Patrick Bamford may return from a foot problem before the end of the season.
“I was really disappointed that this happened and ended up this way. We felt like we were trying to create a progression which protected him but this injury is a tricky one.”
“The six weeks means I think he can be available for the last two games. He’s said he’s walking better, feeling better, pain free. We’re optimistic and hopeful.”
