Leeds United will be back in action after the international break on Saturday when they make the trip down to Southampton.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side earned a first Premier League win of the season last time out when they saw off Watford 1-0 at Elland Road and will be up against a Saints side still without a victory this term.
Injuries and a tough early fixture list have meant that Leeds have so far been unable to match last season’s exploits yet, but spirits will be boosted after they were able to go into the current international break with a win under their belts.
A number of players were absent against the Hornets, with Robin Koch, Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford among those missing.
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The international break has arguably come at a good time, as these members of Marcelo Bielsa’s squad now have a fortnight to step up their recoveries.
With Southampton up next on October 16, here is a look at the current injuries in the Whites squad.
Kalvin Phillips
Phillips was withdrawn from the England squad after picking up a minor calf strain against Watford.
“Kalvin Phillips has withdrawn from the England squad ahead of the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers,” a club statement said.
“Phillips, who has won 17 caps for England after receiving his first call-up in August 2020, picked up a calf strain in Saturday’s win against Watford at Elland Road.
“He will stay at Thorp Arch for treatment with Leeds United’s medical team.”
LeedsLive understands the injury is not considered to be serious and he should be available for the next league match. Phillips was withdrawn as he would not have been able to train on the injury this week.
Robin Koch
The German international has been absent since the opening weekend defeat at Manchester United with a pelvic injury.
Again, a timescale for his return is unclear, with Bielsa confirming he would not be facing West Ham prior to the Hammers’ defeat.
“Koch has a problem with his pubis which is a very rebellious injury where there’s no prognostic of when he will be recovered because it can last a short period of time or a long period of time, so that’s subject to his evolution,” Bielsa said before the Watford clash.
Luke Ayling
Luke Ayling took a knock in the closing stages of the draw at Newcastle last month and has been absent since.
“Ayling has a problem in his knee,” Bielsa said before Watford. “Requires simple surgical intervention and sometime after to recover.”
Patrick Bamford
Another who suffered a knock in the clash at Newcastle, Bamford went down with 11 minutes left holding his foot after a heavy challenge. He had to leave the pitch for treatment, but did return, albeit with a limp.
He has been absent since, with the player himself providing an update on the official Leeds United podcast prior to Watford.
“I imagine in the next 10 days, I’ll be ready to run on it. So I guess when I can start running and change direction normally, I’ll be back with the team probably in a week.”
Adam Forshaw
Following the West Ham loss, Bielsa confirmed a fresh set-back for Adam Forshaw, who played the final 35 minutes against Fulham last week.
“He had a tear in the posterior part of his thigh,” said Bielsa.
“With a muscular injury, they usually consume a month’s time. Forshaw makes enormous efforts to not reinjure himself, but after two years out it takes a lot to get back into the swing of things.”
Lewis Bate
There were some concerns that under-23s midfielder Lewis Bate appeared to pick up an ankle problem on England under-20s duty when he was subbed off against Italy last week. He was back on the bench for Monday’s clash against the Czech Republic however, allaying fears of a serious issue.
His under-23s team-mate Crysencio Summerville, who missed the first-team’s win over Watford with illness was able to return to Mark Jackson’s side at the weekend, scoring in the 2-1 Premier League Cup defeat at Sunderland.