The most recent injury reports and team news prior to Leeds United’s home match against Championship foe Coventry City.
When Leeds United returns to action on Saturday afternoon at home against Coventry City, they will look to rebound from their close loss to promotion rivals Sunderland.
Tuesday night’s goal from Jobe Bellingham was sufficient to send Daniel Farke’s team to just their second loss in their previous ten games and keep the Black Cats in the running for the playoffs. The Whites are still in third place in the Championship table after that setback in the North East, and they will be optimistic about their ability to keep pushing for a Premier League return.
Even if their visitors haven’t quite reached the heights of last season—when only a play-off final loss to Luton Town kept them from ending their 22-year hiatus from the top flight—this Saturday’s matchup with Coventry will present Farke’s team another tough test.
Before the Elland Road match, both teams are concerned about a number of injuries, and Farke and his Sky Blues colleague Mark Robins have a lot of possible absences to deal with. The YEP examines some of the team’s early news and the decisions that both managers may have to make in the next several days.
News about the Coventry City team
Dealing with the return to fitness of former Chelsea and Bristol City midfielder Kasey Palmer is one of City manager Robins’ top worries. The 27-year-old, who hasn’t played since September due to an abductor rupture, did make his matchday squad debut on Friday night as the team defeated Birmingham City. Palmer will hopefully enjoy his first on-field action in nearly three months against Southampton on Wednesday night. Palmer is anticipated to be included in the squad.
Prior to Saturday’s match, striker Matt Godden is also anticipated to make a comeback. He was absent from the victory over Wayne Rooney’s team since his wife gave birth to their second child. But forward Fabio Tavares has stated he won’t be playing at Elland Road; he won’t be back until the new year due to an Achilles tear.
Leeds United team news
Before the game, Daniel Farke will have to cope with a number of unknowns, but Ian Poveda, who is still serving for Colombia on the international stage, will undoubtedly be absent.
Luke Ayling was not used as a substitute at Sunderland after recovering from a knee injury, but there is some hope that he could be back in the running for a starting spot. At the Stadium of Light, Patrick Bamford also made a substitute appearance after rejoining the matchday squad following his recuperation from illness.
Sam Byram and Stuart Dallas are still recovering from hamstring injuries and femur fractures, respectively, so their return dates are yet unknown. The international for Northern Ireland is probably out, and Byram is currently doubtful. Junior Firpo, the left defender, is one player who is certain to miss the match. It is anticipated that he won’t return until the end of the month following a hamstring injury.
