Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has provided an early team news update ahead of the Championship match against Coventry City this weekend.
Leeds will travel to the CBS Arena looking to build on their 3-1 success over Hull City at Elland Road on Monday (2 April).
The Whites start the latest round of fixtures in second place, one point ahead of third-place Leicester City, who have a game in hand.
Farke said during his pre-match press conference on Thursday (4 April) that Ilia Gruev is in contention to return, although Willy Gnonto and Connor Roberts are still out.
Jamie Shackleton will also be missing for a fortnight due to an adductor injury.
“We’re still struggling with a few,” Farke remarked. “With one exception, all of the players in the previous game’s team are now available for Coventry.
“Jamie Shackleton has an adductor injury and will be out for at least two weeks. He’ll definitely miss the Coventry game.
“Several are on their way back. Gruev is the most comparable because he is only limited by discomfort and swelling and has not trained with the squad.
“We have 48 hours till the game, so there’s a slim possibility he’ll be available. It’s unclear when Gnonto and Roberts will return.
“They had muscle strains and were informed they would be out for three weeks. They’ve already been out for nine days, so they’re getting closer. “Hopefully, they’ll be prepared for the Middlesbrough game.”
Leeds United Team News versus Coventry City
This weekend’s encounter against Coventry is crucial for Leeds, as is every game between now and the end of the season.
The late win over Hull was vital for Farke’s team, and it ensures they remain in contention for automatic promotion.
Given how tight it is at the top, any slip-ups in the coming weeks might be expensive at the end of the season.
United have been nearly perfect this year. Even when not at their peak, they have managed to turn potential losses into draws.
Coventry will be difficult opponents on Saturday (6 April), but there is no reason Leeds cannot finish the job and remain in the top two.
Farke will therefore be eager to have a completely healthy team to pick from over the next ten days, when Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers visit Elland Road in rapid succession.
