What Leeds United now privately believe about Sam Byram’s latest injury

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The Yorkshire Evening Post claim Leeds United are confident that Sam Byram has only picked up a hamstring strain after being forced off before the hour mark during Saturday’s win over Plymouth.

Byram, 30, has rid himself of his injury prone reputation over the last few weeks – starting the last nine league games for us, finishing six of them. Signed on a free, Byram has been exceptional on his return.

But, given he had managed just 98 games for West Ham, Norwich and Forest in the seven and a half years since leaving Leeds, injury was always going to be a concern for Byram and boss Daniel Farke.

The German gaffer has nursed Byram at times, resting him more than other key players. Subbed early when others, with a slight knock, might continue. It has worked, other than a slight injury in September.

On Saturday, Byram was withdrawn on 54 minutes after complaining of an issue in his hamstring. Good timing to have an injury, given the November international break is now in place for the next two weeks.

Leeds United confident Sam Byram has only picked up a strain

Junior Firpo is back after injury himself and came on for the last 35 minutes, meaning Byram also has competition on the left side of defence – albeit in a much-criticised Firpo, who has struggled at Leeds.

With Leeds next in action in 12 days – a Friday night trip to Rotherham – Byram would have had his work cut out had it been a pulled hamstring. The YEP gave an update, sharing what sources have told them.

They say that Leeds are confident Byram has only picked up a strain to his hamstring, but that Firpo will be given the chance to get a run out at Rotherham – when Leeds are next in action, after the break.

“Although Leeds believe it’s a routine hamstring strain and nothing linked to Byram’s past issues, this injury is a blow because Byram has been building up momentum, playing lots of football,” the YEP said.

“His performance up until he went off, excellent. Both sides of the game done with such competence. Firpo will get a chance to try and steal the shirt at Rotherham but Byram will be champing at the bit.”