Following Saturday’s calamitous 2-2 draw with Swansea City, Leeds United are in desperate need to get back to winning ways on the weekend when they take on an improving Luton Town.
Luton have endured a dismal season in which they have failed to match pre-season expectations of mounting a promotion charge. Relegated from the Premier League, they had the resources to do that.
Yet, Carlton Morris, Alfie Doughty and co. have been unable to match the likes of Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United and in fact, fighting relegation at the foot of the table – currently sitting in 23rd place.
But Luton’s position in the table does not tell the whole story. The Hatters are only two points off safety after three wins in the last five games, winning 10 points from a possible 15 and beating Hull on Saturday.
Luton Town’s injury news ahead of Leeds United showdown
Not only has new manager Matt Bloomfield got his side winning games and showing some life in the fight against the drop, but Luton have also welcomed back some of their key players from injury.
Commanding centre-back Reece Burke started against Hull at the weekend, having not started since the 3-0 loss to Leeds at Elland Road. Amari’i Bell was a doubt after suffering an injury on Jamaica duty.
But like Burke, he started against Hull. Tahith Chong came on at half-time against Hull having been out of action since January while Isaiah Jones wasn’t ready to face Hull but should now be available vs Leeds.
However, Luton are without four players including key stars Jacob Brown who has undergone surgery and anchoring midfielder Marvelous Nakamba. Teden Mengi and Shandon Baptiste will also miss the clash.
Luton’s injury list in full:
- Reece Burke (quad) – fit
- Amari’i Bell (knee) – fit
- Tahith Chong (hamstring) – fit
- Isaiah Jones (knock) – expected to return
- Jacob Brown (ankle) – out for season
- Teden Mengi (knee) – in rehab, out
- Shandon Baptiste (calf) – in rehab, out
- Marvelous Nakamba (calf) – in rehab, out
Leeds United injury news ahead of Luton Town clash on Saturday
While Luton will be without four players and could be missing a fifth in winger Jones if he cannot make it by Saturday, Leeds have a clean bill of health if the squad came through unscathed against Swansea City.
Last week’s press conference saw Daniel Farke confirm Patrick Bamford, Ethan Ampadu and Max Wober were back. Willy Gnonto was a doubt on Saturday but came on and scored in the 2-2 draw for Leeds.
Graham Smyth now expects Gnonto to start against Luton if the Italian has a week without any setbacks to the ankle injury suffered while on international duty with Italy’s U21 side during the March break.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
