LEEDS, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Detail view of the Leeds United club badge on the corner flag prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Elland Road on December 16, 2020 in Leeds, England.The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Rui Vieira - Pool/Getty Images)
Leeds United team news: The players are expected to miss the encounter against Watford.
All the latest Leeds United team news ahead of Saturday’s clash against Watford.
On Saturday, Leeds United host Watford in the Championship at Elland Road.
The Whites were held to a 0-0 stalemate by Hull City at the MKM Stadium on Wednesday night, but the result extends their undefeated streak to five league games.
Leeds controlled the first half, with Ryan Allsop making saves on Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville, but the visitors were reduced to ten men in the 60th minute when Joe Rodon was sent a second yellow card for a foul on Aaron Connolly.
The Tigers grew into the game and nearly capitalized on their numerical advantage late in the game, but Adama Traore missed an open chance.
Leeds presently lie ninth in the table, two points out of the play-offs, as they prepare to face the 14th-placed Hornets, with only one point separating the two clubs.
The Hornets are unbeaten in their past three games, and they drew 2-2 with West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday night at Vicarage Road.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, we’ve compiled all of the most recent Leeds team news.
Which Leeds United players are expected to miss the match against Watford?
Leeds manager Daniel Farke has stated that winger Wilfried Gnonto will miss the game against Watford due to an ankle injury suffered against Hull in midweek.
“Sadly, bad news with him,” Farke stated, according to Phil Hay of The Athletic.
“He ruptured his lateral ankle ligament.”
“We’re waiting for the evaluation this afternoon.” He’s not going to be accessible tomorrow.”
Patrick Bamford returned to training last week, and while the game against the Hornets is too soon for him, Farke said he may be in contention the following week.
“No, he’s not fully fit,” Farke said, according to Leeds Live.
“Because he was out for eight weeks and has only been back in team training for about six days, we will still be cautious with him.”
“I think this week was also not the easiest because we trained in small groups and had to differentiate between players who had a lot of loads and players who were not as involved on the field.”
“As a result, it was not the easiest week for him to return to team training.” I believe the next week will be very useful because we will have more time on the training field, and I anticipate him to be back in the mix for next week.”
“First and foremost, I congratulate him. He’s had a difficult journey. He took part in team training yesterday. The group was waiting outside to greet him. He’s significant not only on the field, but also off it. I enjoy conversing with him. He is a legend at this club because of all he has done for it. He’s been gone for so long. We have a regulation that you have to be in training for the duration of your absence, but I hope it won’t be that lengthy,” Farke told Leeds Live.
Rodon will be unavailable following his red card against Hull on Wednesday night.
