Jesse Marsch has told Friday’s press conference – as per the club’s YouTube channel – that Leeds midfielders Adam Forshaw and Archie Gray have suffered new injuries and will be unavailable to play against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Leeds are finally back in action after a month without a game. The passing of Her Majesty the Queen saw games against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest postponed. Then, the international break surfaced.
They take on Steven Gerrard’s Villa on Sunday – a game in which Marsch will be hoping his side can win. Villa are struggling, and Leeds obviously boast home advantage. But obviously, Leeds lost to Villa in pre-season in Australia.
Before taking questions, the American gaffer gave an injury update. He says that wonderkid Gray stubbed his toe at home and has a fracture, while Forshaw has twisted his ankle. But he did deliver a positive update on Stuart Dallas.
“Archie had an incident at home, stubbed his toe, fractured. Out for another two weeks. Stuart is making good recovery, on track – still some time. Forshaw twisted his ankle this week, not bad, unavailable for Villa,” Marsch said.
Marsch: Leeds midfielders Forshaw and Gray have suffered new injuries
While it is a blow to lose both Forshaw and Gray, with Dallas still on the sidelines, it does not directly affect the starting XI. Marc Roca and Tyler Adams have combined superbly so far in the middle of the park this season.
However, it does leave Leeds short when it comes to the bench in terms of central midfield. Other options in the middle of the park include Mateusz Klich, while Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk can also play in midfield.
The good news is, is that both players will be fit over the next couple of weeks. Gray looks like a future superstar and while it is a blow in terms of his development, he will get back up to speed soon.
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