Leeds United are set to welcome back one of their injured bodies for the upcoming trip to Sunderland.
Daniel Farke‘s squad have been rocked by a number of injury problems in the last few weeks with Ilia Gruev the latest to join the group of players on the sidelines.
Leeds confirmed in an official statement on Thursday Gruev is set to undergo surgery on a ‘significant injury’ to his meniscus, which is set to keep him out for several months.
With Ethan Ampadu also out for the next 10 weeks, Leeds have lost both of their first choice midfielders in a matter of just four days.
Manor Solomon, Max Wober, Dan James and Isaac Schmidt were all also absent for the 1-1 draw at Norwich City earlier this week.
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Farke makes Isaac Schmidt decision for Leeds vs Sunderland
Leeds could not have asked for a more difficult match amid their ongoing injury crisis, with an away match at Championship table-toppers Sunderland tonight.
Sunderland have won all four home league matches without conceding so far this season, and so even despite the injuries, Leeds will have to be at their very best to take the three points.
Farke’s bench was extremely weak at Carrow Road on Tuesday but according to Leeds Live, he is set to welcome back one of their injured bodies.
It is said that Isaac Schmidt will return to the squad this evening having missed just the one game due to an issue with his glutes.
Farke did suggest Schmidt’s return was a possibility in his press conference, though it was dependant on him coming through Leeds’ last training session unscathed.
And it appears as though the ‘important‘ defender has done exactly that, providing extra cover at full-back to both Junior Firpo and Sam Byram.
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Likely Leeds starting XI vs Sunderland
Farke has very little in the way of options to change his starting XI tonight, despite the lack of recovery time from Tuesday night.
Leeds have started with the same goalkeeper and back four in every league match so far and that isn’t likely to change at Sunderland. They will need to be at their best.
With both Gruev and Ampadu out long-term, Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have the chance to form a midfield partnership that will have to start several matches together.
Mateo Joseph, Wilfried Gnonto, Brenden Aaronson and Largie Ramazani all keep their place in the front four.
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