Daniel Farke provided mixed news on the injury front ahead of Leeds United’s trip to Plymouth Argyle tomorrow.
The Whites were without six players in the midweek triumph over Swansea City, including Patrick Bamford, who was forced to withdraw in the warm-up and will now miss 10-12 days.
Sam Byram and Pascal Struijk are among the other significant players who will be absent from Home Park, but there is good news regarding Jamie Shackleton’s availability.
Shackleton had recovered from an injury before Tuesday’s trip to South Wales, but he was absent from the squad due to the birth of his first child earlier in the week.
However, at his pre-match news conference, Farke acknowledged that Shackleton is back in contention for a spot in the squad tomorrow lunchtime, but joked that he is a little ‘weary’ from the week’s events.
Shackleton is in consideration for the Plymouth trip.
“It’s fantastic to have one more on our side. He’s exhausted but joyful, and it’s fantastic to have him back.”
Shackleton hasn’t always made the bench during the season, but given Byram’s absence, it would be odd if he was left out of this match.
Leeds do not have a natural alternative for Junior Firpo if he is injured, and Shackleton is possibly the closest, having played there a few times earlier this season.
However, the 24-year-old may struggle to get game time on the other side, with Archie Gray continuing to impress and new acquisition Connor Roberts anxious to make his full debut.
In any case, having Shackleton back as an option is a plus, even if he isn’t the most realistic choice to begin the game.
