Leeds again struck with injury crisis

Leeds have bin hit with another injury crisis in what seems like a season the medical staff will earn a heavy Christmas Bonus.

Injuries to both Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas in Leeds’ 1-0 win over Sheffield United are set to keep the pair out until after the new year.

Cooper, who seemed to have suffered a bad knee injury has been flown to Rome in order to receive surgery and is expected to miss the next four to six weeks while recovering.

Although the centre back will be a huge miss for the Whites, the emergence and impressive play of Aapo Halme should ease any fears of Leeds struggling to make a strong side for key clashes against Aston Villa, Hull and Nottingham Forest.

Whereas as the loss of Dallas, the sides only remaining full back fill-in should be a bitter pill to swallow. Although his performances have been suspect, he had been Bielsa’s only option and had began to fulfil the role successfully over the past couple of matches.

Dallas is set to miss the next four to six weeks with a fractured foot, adding to the woes is the fact both Luke Ayling and Gaetano Berardi are set to be out for the new year. This leaves Tom Pearce and Barry Douglas as the only viable options at full back.

Youth products Jamie Shackleton and Robbie Gotts may be the next options for Bielsa to test out along with former Crystal Palace right back Bryce Hosannah.

Leeds will now spend a long Xmas period without at least six players form the first team unable to play.

I think we all know what’s going to be topping Marcelo Bielsa’s Christmas list this year.

By Ryan Ingham