Leeds United desperately need a result ahead of the November break, but face a difficult task ahead of them, as they go to an improving Nottingham Forest side under Sean Dyche on Sunday.
After three defeats in the last four games, Farke is under pressure. While he has guided Leeds to three wins and 11 points from the opening 10 games, a difficult run of fixtures is coming up; the pressure is on.
Leeds remain above the point-a-game line, but over the next two months, Farke’s men will face Man City, Liverpool twice, in-form Villa, FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and surprise package Sunderland.
The Whites are inevitably going to struggle to pick up points over Christmas and that makes Sunday’s trip to Forest a hugely important fixture. Tony Pulis, however, has predicted a win for Sean Dyche’s Forest.
Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto
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Leeds United’s injury concerns ahead of Nottingham Forest clash
Prior to the defeat to Brighton, Farke confirmed his Leeds side had a clean bill of health. Willy Gnonto was not ready to start, but he was back in training after a calf injury and hernia surgery in the last few weeks.
However, Gnonto was not included in the squad. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was taken off shortly after the hour mark against Brighton. Adam Pope reported Calvert-Lewin had a slight injury, possibly his adductor.
That is concerning, given Calvert-Lewin’s proneness to injury, and that it is a possible muscle issue. Then, Jayden Bogle came off after complaining of illness. Gnonto, Calvert-Lewin and Bogle are now doubtful.
Leeds’ injury concerns v Forest:
Calvert-Lewin – doubt (Slight injury, adductor or thigh)
Gnonto – doubt (Still recovering from hernia op)
Bogle – doubt (Illness)
Nottingham Forest injury round-up ahead of Leeds clash
For Dyche, the problems are more extensive. The former Burnley, Watford and Everton manager has four players missing, including summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko and Leeds summer target Dilane Bakwa.
Chris Wood celebrates goal against Liverpool.
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Then, Ola Aina remains a long-term absentee and goalkeeper Angus Gunn is yet to receive a return date. The injury issues don’t stop there for Dyche, who could also be without Chris Wood and Douglas Luiz.
Nottingham Forest injury concerns v Leeds:
Bakwa – unavailable (Unclear why, expected back after the November break)
Zinchenko – unavailable (Groin/hip injury)
Aina – unavailable (Thigh injury)
Gunn – unavailable (Knee injury)
Wood – doubt (Knee, Dyche confirmed he could be ready to face Leeds)
Luiz – doubt (Hamstring, no clear return date)
Despite Forest potentially missing six players, with four definitely sidelined, Dyche’s side is impressive with players including Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliott Anderson, Dan Ndoye and plenty of other exciting players.