Leeds signed three new players during the January transfer window but did not get a centre-back – could that come back to haunt them?
Jed Wallace of Millwall and Laurens De Bock of Leeds United in action during the Sky Bet Championship match at Elland Road.
Leeds United brought in a steady stream of new signings through the January transfer window in Laurens De Bock, Adam Forshaw and finally Tyler Roberts on deadline day.
Yet a position that failed to be addressed despite many fans believing that it is where they are lacking is at centre-back, where Pontus Jansson is having to shoulder a lot of the responsibility.
Jarrod Bowen (R) of Hull City cuts the ball back inside as Pontus Jansson (L) of Leeds United attempts a tackle during the Sky Bet Championship match at the KCOM Stadium.
That is because Everton loanee Matthew Pennington is injured, having only managed 12 appearances since his summer switch and so far failing to truly impress.
Liam Cooper will serve the second game of a four-match suspension when Leeds host Cardiff City this weekend, while Conor Shaughnessy left their last outing against Hull City on a stretcher with just five minutes played.
Islam Slimani of Leicester City and Conor Shaughnessy of Leeds United in action during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match at The King Power Stadium.
It leaves Jansson as the only recognised central defender for the visit of the Bluebirds, but even with an injury crisis the form of Pennington and development of Shaughnessy – who is still a youngster finding his feet in truth – would surely have tempted head coach Thomas Christiansen to dip into the transfer market?
Of the nine teams above the Whites in the Championship table only Fulham have conceded more goals than the Yorkshire outfit and a poor defensive record could seriously hinder their promotion hopes this season.
Leeds United manager Thomas Christiansen leaves the field during the Sky Bet Championship match against Ipswich Town.
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