Tyler Adams has gone under the knife to correct his hamstring injury and while it is unclear how long Leeds will be without their midfield talisman – they will be wishing they had signed a midfielder in January, perhaps, Sasa Lukic.
Adams, 24, has been forced to have an operation on the muscle issue. An injury in which was perhaps first seen as one not particularly serious. But the USA skipper is set for a delayed spell on the sidelines for the next few weeks.
It leaves Leeds with Marc Roca and Weston McKennie as senior options in the middle of the park, going into the final stage of the Premier League season. Sam Greenwood can play there, but is better as a no.8, a no.10 or as a striker.
Archie Gray and Darko Gyabi are recognised central midfielders, but have three senior appearances between them. Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas are out. The Leeds board will be wishing they signed another, alongside McKennie.
Leeds will be wishing they had signed Sasa Lukic after Tyler Adams injury
Indeed, going into January, a report from Italian website Torino Granata said Leeds were leading Manchester United in the race to sign Serbia midfielder Lukic. A player that caught the eye in Qatar with his country, at the World Cup.
However, Lukic instead moved to London – Fulham signing the ex-Torino man for £8.8m on deadline day. A player that is well-liked in Italy and in his home country for his array of passing, able to dictate the middle of the pitch.
Indeed, a player that is also renowned for his defensive work. Perhaps not as agile as Adams, but does the same job and is certainly more imposing in the air. For £8.8m, Leeds will now be wishing they had made their move for Lukic.
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