Daniel Farke has released an updated injury update for his Leeds United side ahead of their trip to Coventry City this weekend.
Leeds were without a number of crucial players over the Easter holiday, having lost three to injury while on international duty with their respective countries.
In addition to long-term absentees Stuart Dallas and Pascal Struijk, Leeds were without Ilia Gruev, Willy Gnonto, and Connor Roberts in their past two games.
Despite the four-day recovery break between Monday’s play against Hull City and Saturday’s meeting at Coventry, there hasn’t been much better on the injury front this week.
Farke has refused to rule out Gruev’s comeback, although he has yet to participate in training, while Roberts and Gnonto remain scheduled to travel to Middlesbrough later this month.
Farke said the 24-year-old who played for Leeds on Monday will now be out for two weeks.
If Gruev is unable to return, Leeds will be without another member of the squad that met the Tigers earlier this week.
Sam Byram was unable to sprint in the second half on Monday, but thankfully did not sustain any permanent injuries following a fine performance against dangerman Jaden Philogene.
However, his stoppage time replacement from the bench, Jamie Shackleton, reported an injury 24 hours after the game.
Farke announced in his pre-match press conference that Shackleton will be out for at least the next two weeks due to’some difficulties with his adductors’.
He remarked, “We’re still dealing with a few injury issues. All of the players from the previous game are available for Coventry, with the exception of Jamie Shackleton. Some issues with his adductors. Out for at least two weeks.
“Gnonto and Roberts have muscle strains and are out for three weeks. They’ve just been out for 9-10 days, so they’re getting closer; I’m hoping they return a little earlier for the Middlesbrough game.”
Shackleton has had a dreadful season for Leeds on the injury front.
Monday’s cameo off the bench may have been Shackleton’s final appearance for Leeds, with his injury expected to keep him out until at least the penultimate game of the season.
The 24-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, and there has been no indication that he will be offered another one.
Furthermore, by the time he returns, both Gruev and Roberts are likely to be fully fit, reducing his chances of playing.
Unfortunately for Shackleton, this season has been an utter nightmare in terms of injuries. Despite starting the season brilliantly and being firmly in Farke’s plans, he hasn’t been able to remain fit since November, which is a huge tragedy for him.
Leave a Comment