Second-placed Leeds United has a number of players in the Thorp Arch treatment room as they prepare to face Southampton in their last game of the regular season.
Leeds United no longer have control over their automatic promotion fate after losing three of their past five Championship games. Hull City’s dramatic late equaliser against Ipswich Town has kept the Whites in second place heading into the final week of the regular league season.
However, the Tractor Boys face Coventry City tomorrow night knowing they are four points away from returning to the promised land. However, Kieran McKenna’s team has gone four games without a win.
The last day finds both sides at home. United will play fourth-placed Southampton, while Ipswich will face Huddersfield Town, who are almost certainly relegated to League One.
Will any of the Whites’ injured players return to action for the season finale? Here is the most recent news from the Thorp Arch treatment room and possible return dates for those who are now sidelined:
Patrick Bamford
The striker was dearly missed in Friday’s devastating 4-0 defeat to Queens Park Rangers. Bamford traveled with the squad, but a knee ailment prevented him from participating. In Bamford’s absence, Joel Piroe led the attack. The Dutchman struggled to make an effect at Loftus Road as United suffered their biggest defeat of the season.
Farke stated after QPR: “Due to the quick turnaround and the situation, he has a bruise that is still a little swollen.” I’d be ready to go again in about two or three days. We tried everything.
“We traveled with one more athlete and treated him in the morning and throughout the day. He was unable to sprint due to the agony. It doesn’t make sense.
“Four days ago, everyone wanted to send him to retirement or something; right now, he’s our only hope of winning games. We did not lose or win the last game solely because of Patrick Bamford. You’re aware of my feelings toward him. Unfortunately, today there was no chance. He missed training yesterday, and I usually don’t go with a player who misses the last session before game day. It was just not conceivable.”
Return date: Southampton
Daniel James
The Wales international suffered an oblique abdominal rupture during their 4-3 victory over Middlesbrough last week. This season, he has appeared in more than 40 games for the Whites, scoring 13 goals and assisting seven times.
What Farke stated before QPR: “Normally, with this type of injury [Dan James], you’re out for 2-3 weeks.” We still have some hope. Our physiotherapists and doctors are working in the rehab unit to make him available. We attempt everything to make him available. At the moment, it’s reasonable to expect him to miss the game, but it’d be a pleasant surprise if he made it next week.”
Return date: Possibly Southampton
Connor Roberts
The Burnley loanee has not played since April 13, when they were defeated 1-0 at Elland Road by Blackburn Rovers. Since suffering an injury while on international service with Wales, the attacking right-back has had little playing time.
Farke stated ahead of Middlesbrough: “His muscle showed a reaction after the last game during training this week, and he will definitely miss the two upcoming away games – perhaps he will be able to return for Southampton.”
“We tried to be very careful with him once he returned from injury after the last international break, only giving him a few short-term outings, and the last game (against Blackburn Rovers) was the last time he played 60 minutes.
“Perhaps we were not even careful enough with him so he will definitely miss the next two games.”
Return date: Possibly Southampton
Pascal Struijk
The centre-back has not played since sustaining a groin injury in the 2-1 loss to Preston North End on Boxing Day. Farke believes United have lost his aerial brilliance from set pieces and leadership in the final stretch.
Struijk underwent surgery in March and will not be available for selection again until next season.
