Jesse Marsch says seven senior Leeds players will be missing from Wolves clash

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Jesse Marsch has told Thursday’s press conference – as per Leeds United’s YouTube – that seven senior players will be missing from Saturday’s clash against Wolves at Elland Road, including Liam Cooper and Luis Sinisterra.

Leeds have been incredibly busy in the transfer window. Bringing in six new players in Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and Darko Gyabi. Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips have left for £100million.

But like last season, Leeds are not without their injuries – at this early stage. Captain Cooper suffered an injury while running on a treadmill, to his achilles. Dan James is suspended. Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas are long-term injuries.

Both have undergone surgery. Sinisterra picked up a hamstring injury in Australia against Crystal Palace, but is back in training. Marsch also said Saturday will come too early for Junior Firpo and Adam Forshaw, but are not far away.

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“Dan James is suspended. He will be playing 90 minutes with the 21s tomorrow night, by his request. Cooper has had an Achilles issue. This week he’s finally been on the pitch doing individual work. We hope by next week.

“Firpo ahead of schedule, but he’s still probably 2-3 weeks away from match eligibility. Forshaw made good progress with a knee-MCL issue, but we’re hopeful he’ll be training next week. Ayling made progress and ahead of schedule.

“Luis on the pitch today and getting closer to his top speed, hopefully available weekend after next. Stuart Dallas is also making good progress, he has had a couple of check-ups,” Marsch told his press conference.

Marsch: Seven Leeds players missing from Wolves clash

While it sounds bad, James is suspended and has been since his red card against Wolves. Ayling and Dallas have been injured throughout pre-season and replacements have come in. So the short-term injuries are just four.

James will be available next week. Cooper could be in contention next weekend. Firpo perhaps by the end of the month, and Forshaw. While it does not look good initially, it is not the end of the world – largely thanks to new arrivals.