Leeds United face a quick return to action with Tuesday night’s visit of Sunderland - for which fresh blows have left six men out and three others doubtful but with two more now back.
The Whites and Black Cats were promoted together from last season’s Championship but in very different circumstances, Leeds going up as champions and Sunderland breaking Sheffield United’s hearts with victory in a dramatic play-off final.
Sunderland were then among the favourites for relegation but the Black Cats enjoyed a storming start to life back in the Premier League, battling it out in the higher echelons of the table.
The team have, though, been gradually sliding down the table although Sunderland remain six points ahead of Leeds in 13th place. The Black Cats took a 1-1 draw from Saturday’s clash at Bournemouth despite a raft of injuries.
Leeds, meanwhile, suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester City in which Daniel Farke’s also suffered a fresh injury blow at a time when another star was already out.
Here, we run through the early injury news from both camps.
Black Cats captain and talisman midfielder Xhaka had been out with an ankle injury but started his first game since returning in the weekend's draw at Bournemouth. A massive boost for them having such a key man back.
1. BACK: Granit Xhaka
Black Cats captain and talisman midfielder Xhaka had been out with an ankle injury but started his first game since returning in the weekend's draw at Bournemouth. A massive boost for them having such a key man back. | AFP via Getty Images
Sunderland's Burkina Faso international forward Traore returned to training last week following a knee injury and made the bench for Saturday's clash at Bournemouth in which he was brought on with 21 minutes left.
2. BACK: Bertrand Traore
Sunderland's Burkina Faso international forward Traore returned to training last week following a knee injury and made the bench for Saturday's clash at Bournemouth in which he was brought on with 21 minutes left. | Steve Welsh/PA Wire
Le Bris has confirmed that the influential defender was facing between a fortnight and a month on the sidelines with a calf issue. Le Bris said: "“It will be shorter-term for Nordi and Brian. Between two and four weeks depending on how they respond to treatment and rehab.”
3. OUT: Nordi Mukiele
Le Bris has confirmed that the influential defender was facing between a fortnight and a month on the sidelines with a calf issue. Le Bris said: "“It will be shorter-term for Nordi and Brian. Between two and four weeks depending on how they respond to treatment and rehab.” | Getty Images
Has sustained a groin injury and will be out for two weeks to a month. Le Bris: "“It will be shorter-term for Nordi and Brian. Between two and four weeks depending on how they respond to treatment and rehab.”
4. OUT: Brian Brobbey
Has sustained a groin injury and will be out for two weeks to a month. Le Bris: "“It will be shorter-term for Nordi and Brian. Between two and four weeks depending on how they respond to treatment and rehab.” | AFP via Getty Images
Le Bris: "Dennis is getting better, like Reinildo – the timeline should be around 10 days depending on the last stage of their rehab.”
5. OUT: Dennis Cirkin
Le Bris: "Dennis is getting better, like Reinildo – the timeline should be around 10 days depending on the last stage of their rehab.” | AFP via Getty Images
Picked up a hamstring injury in the latter stages of the Fulham defeat. Sunderland are assessing whether surgery is required but he is facing a spell on the sidelines either way. Le Bris: "“Romaine might have a difficult injury and he might be side-lined for a while - we still have further assessments to make, but we will have a clear picture soon. He has experienced this injury before, so it means something to him. It’s too early to know if it’s the same, but the feeling wasn’t positive.”
6. OUT: Romaine Mundle
Picked up a hamstring injury in the latter stages of the Fulham defeat. Sunderland are assessing whether surgery is required but he is facing a spell on the sidelines either way. Le Bris: "“Romaine might have a difficult injury and he might be side-lined for a while - we still have further assessments to make, but we will have a clear picture soon. He has experienced this injury before, so it means something to him. It’s too early to know if it’s the same, but the feeling wasn’t positive.” | Getty Images