Luke Ayling and Jamie Shackleton have returned to training for Leeds United ahead of their FA Cup meeting with Peterborough.
The Whites were at risk of being short at full-back after sending Djed Spence back to Tottenham after a spat with manager Daniel Farke after the win over Birmingham.
But the manager is expected to get a lift with the return of Ayling and Shackleton from injury, suggesting that the absence of Sam Byram may not be such a big deal after all.
Phew
With Spence hauled back to north London, there were some serious doubts about who would play at full-back on Sunday afternoon.
Junior Firpo’s injury record is uncertain, but he is now available, and Archie Gray is in severe need of a rest at right-back, but they may have been compelled to play given the team’s injuries.
However, with Ayling and Shackleton now fit, trained, and available ahead of the game, both players might potentially return to the team after a stint out, allowing Farke to rest the others.
Ayling’s future is a hot topic right now, with Middlesbrough reportedly interested, but while he’s under contract at Elland Road, no one can doubt that he’ll do everything he can to help the team win.
Shackleton is a midfielder by nature, but his performances at full-back have been strong this season, earning him Farke’s trust, so this could be another chance for him to shine.
