Michael Skubala has told Thursday’s press conference – as per the Leeds YouTube channel – that quartet Pascal Struijk, Liam Cooper, Marc Roca and Sonny Perkins could be available for selection ahead of Saturday’s game against Everton.
Skubala is set to be in the dugout at Goodison Park alongside Chris Armas and Paco Gallardo, and could be for the next few matches. It comes after Leeds have struggled to bring in a new boss – instead, turning to U21 boss Skubala.
Struijk suffered a concussion early on in Skubala’s first match, a 2-2 draw with Manchester United. But Skubala says he is now back in training and in contention to play against Everton. Cooper, Roca and Perkins have all been missing.
But, Skubala says Perkins is back on the training pitch and both Cooper and Roca could be available for Saturday. However, Skubala ruled out a return for Luis Sinisterra – who also picked up a muscle injury against Manchester United.
“Pascal is back in training after concussion. Liam and Marc are touch and go, not far, we could see them on Saturday, I don’t want to take risks. Sonny Perkins is back on the pitch. Sinisterra is on his way, further away from Liam and Marc.”
Michael Skubala says Leeds quartet could be available for Everton game
While it is a boost to potentially have all four players available – do they get into the side? Perkins, certainly not. But, a good option to have on the bench. Max Wober and Robin Koch are starring in the middle of the defence for Leeds.
Cooper, then, may struggle to come in. Junior Firpo’s form has been improving of late and it might see him get the nod over Struijk – who has been going the other way. Struggling in the 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest this month.
Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, unsurprisingly, have combined well in midfield. So, while it would be great for the depth of the team to have all four back – even if they are fit, they may struggle to start against Everton on Saturday.
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