Leeds United will finally resume their quest for Premier League survival with next Monday night’s trip to arch rivals Manchester United - for which fresh blows have left a host of players doubtful or out.
Michael Carrick’s Red Devils have not played since the Friday night before the international break when they were denied victory by Junior Kroupi’s penalty in a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth.
It means Carrick’s side will have had a whopping 23 days without a game by the time Leeds head to Manchester for the 8pm kick-off at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Despite the long break, the Red Devils still have injuries to key players and indeed a suspension to deal with but there is no doubt that Leeds now have the bigger problems on the injuries front after Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at West Ham.
Victory at the London Stadium looks to have come at a cost and here we run through the early injury and team news from both camps which totals three out and seven doubts but with a Whites star expected back.
Manchester United's Slovenian international striker Sesko has reportedly been dealing with a fitness concern of late and pulled out of international duty during the March break. There are reports that he will be back available to face Leeds but nevertheless an element of doubt.
1. DOUBT: Benjamin Sesko
Manchester United's Slovenian international striker Sesko has reportedly been dealing with a fitness concern of late and pulled out of international duty during the March break. There are reports that he will be back available to face Leeds but nevertheless an element of doubt. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire
Manchester United's Argentinian international centre-back Martinez has now missed his side's last five games with a calf injury although he too is thought to be close to a return. Again, though, at least some sort of doubt, especially after missing five games in a row.
2. DOUBT: Lisandro Martinez
Manchester United's Argentinian international centre-back Martinez has now missed his side's last five games with a calf injury although he too is thought to be close to a return. Again, though, at least some sort of doubt, especially after missing five games in a row. | Getty Images
A major doubt who could essentially be considered out given that the Dutch international centre-back has not featured since November due to a back injury although no timescale has been provided and boss Michael Carrick said recently that the Red Devils were trying to get him back as quickly as they could.
3. BIG DOUBT/OUT: Matthijs de Ligt
A major doubt who could essentially be considered out given that the Dutch international centre-back has not featured since November due to a back injury although no timescale has been provided and boss Michael Carrick said recently that the Red Devils were trying to get him back as quickly as they could. | Getty Images
Clearly a big one for the Red Devils but a player expected back although again with an element of doubt. Mbeumo started the clash at Bournemouth before the international break but was brought off at the interval after suffering a knock and then pulled out of Cameroon international duty.
4. SLIGHT DOUBT: Bryan Mbeumo
Clearly a big one for the Red Devils but a player expected back although again with an element of doubt. Mbeumo started the clash at Bournemouth before the international break but was brought off at the interval after suffering a knock and then pulled out of Cameroon international duty. | AFP via Getty Images
Sweden international star Gudmundsson was one of two unexpected Leeds absentees against West Ham, the defender suffering from a minor groin problem and not risked.
5. DOUBT: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Sweden international star Gudmundsson was one of two unexpected Leeds absentees against West Ham, the defender suffering from a minor groin problem and not risked. | Getty Images
Rodon suffered an ankle injury in the early stages of the second half at West Ham and was unable to continue. Clear doubts as to whether he will be back to face the Red Devils although Farke is hoping he will be okay. The Whites boss: "Joe Rodon rolled his ankle, we have to assess him. Thank God there's a bit of time before the next game."
6. DOUBT: Joe Rodon
Rodon suffered an ankle injury in the early stages of the second half at West Ham and was unable to continue. Clear doubts as to whether he will be back to face the Red Devils although Farke is hoping he will be okay. The Whites boss: "Joe Rodon rolled his ankle, we have to assess him. Thank God there's a bit of time before the next game." | Getty Images