Jesse Marsch claims both Lewis Bate and Jamie Shackleton could miss Leeds United’s clash against Wolves on Friday. Both midfielders were part of the matchday squad that secured a dramatic late win over Norwich City.
Marsch, 48, picked up his first Leeds win at the third attempt against Norwich – as Joe Gelhardt came off the bench to score in the 95th minute at Elland Road. It came after Kenny McLean equalised on 91 minutes.
Shackleton, 22, has been on the bench under Marsch for all three of his games, without coming on as a substitute. Meanwhile, Bate was missing against Villa and Leicester – but was on the bench in the win over Norwich.
Bate played against Manchester United for the Under-23’s on Tuesday night but was forced off just before the hour mark – limping to the bench. Now, Marsch told Leeds Live that Shackleton and Bate could miss Wolves.
Marsch on Bate, Shackleton: Leeds lack options in midfield at Wolves
Bate and Shackleton are the ideal options on the bench to provide cover for Leeds in midfield. But Kalvin Phillips is set to return on Friday, even if it is only on the bench for the England midfielder.
So, Marsch is likely to stick with Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw in the middle of the park – with Stuart Dallas covering Junior Firpo on the left. Robin Koch can also play in more of a holding-midfield role on Friday.
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