Leeds United are back under the lights at Elland Road on Tuesday night with a huge clash against Sunderland — but both sides could be without a number of key names.
After Saturday’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, Daniel Farke’s men have little time to regroup. With just ten matches remaining, Leeds sit six points clear of the relegation zone and know a win could significantly boost their survival hopes.
Sunderland, managed by Regis Le Bris, have impressed in their first season back in the top flight and currently sit six points above the Whites. However, they arrive in West Yorkshire with a lengthy injury list.
Leeds United injury news
Farke looks set to be without winger Noah Okafor, who is still recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained in the FA Cup tie against Birmingham City. The forward missed the defeat to City and remains doubtful for Tuesday’s encounter.
There are also concerns over centre-back Joe Rodon. The defender was withdrawn during the second half against City, with assistant boss Eddie Riemer admitting afterwards that Rodon would need further assessment on a suspected hamstring issue.
Aside from those two doubts, Leeds are otherwise close to full strength — a welcome boost at a crucial stage of the campaign.
Sunderland injury news
Sunderland’s situation is far more complicated.
Club captain Granit Xhaka has returned from an ankle problem and featured against Bournemouth at the weekend, meaning he will be available for the trip to Elland Road. Winger Bertrand Traore also made his comeback off the bench in that match and could feature again.
But beyond those returns, the Black Cats are dealing with multiple absentees.
Winger Romaine Mundle is ruled out with a hamstring injury suffered against Fulham, while forward Ta Bi picked up an ankle injury in the same game that may require surgery.
Striker Brian Brobbey is sidelined for two to four weeks with a groin problem, and defender Nordi Mukiele sustained a knee injury in that fixture as well. None of the players hurt in the Fulham clash are expected to be fit in time.
Left-back Dennis Cirkin is also unavailable after suffering an injury in training and is expected to miss around ten days, while fellow full-back Reinildo Mandava continues his recovery from a knee issue.
There is also a doubt over forward Ahmed Abdullahi, who recently featured for Sunderland’s under-21s as he builds match fitness.
Up to nine absentees?
Depending on late fitness tests, the fixture could see as many as nine players across the two squads miss out — two potential absentees for Leeds and up to seven for Sunderland.
With survival still very much on the line and momentum swinging between both promoted sides, Tuesday night’s meeting at Elland Road could prove pivotal in shaping the Premier League run-in.