Leeds United manager Daniel Farke will have to make one forced alteration in his starting lineup for Monday’s televised trip to Middlesbrough.
Connor Roberts, Leeds United’s right-back, will miss the next two games, manager Daniel Farke has stated. The Burnley loanee has had a recurrence of the muscle injury he picked up when on international duty for Wales last month.
Roberts was pulled off in the second half of Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Blackburn Rovers and replaced by Sam Byram. He will not play in next week’s away double header against Middlesbrough and Queens Park Rangers.
Farke told the media, “Unfortunately, awful news for Connor Roberts. His muscle reacted after the last game. He will definitely miss the two upcoming games. There is a chance he might return to Southampton. We attempted to be extra cautious with him, giving him a couple shorter appearances; perhaps we weren’t as cautious the last time. He will miss the next two games, but that is pretty much the only bad news.
Jamie Shackleton is getting closer to a first-team return, but he is unlikely to be risked against Middlesbrough on Monday. “He’s not in team training but he will probably join us tomorrow,” he added. “It’s good news for him that he’s not too far away from joining us.”
Pascal Struijk, a centre-back, is injured and will not be available until next season. Promotion opponents Leicester City and Southampton will have the potential to put pressure on the Whites ahead of their trip to Teesside. Tomorrow, the Foxes host West Bromwich Albion, while Southampton visit Cardiff City. The Saints, managed by Russell Martin, can draw level with United on 87 points if they defeat an injury-plagued Cardiff side this weekend.
Farke stated: “We are approaching the crucial time period. It is critical to maintain composure while considering the quality of the squad and its players. Injuries require a certain amount of luck. You have to concentrate on what you can influence.
