Chelsea's injury crisis is mostly over as they welcome Leeds United to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League with the Whites facing their own issues
Leeds are currently facing a mini-injury crisis ahead of their Premier League meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Whites will be aiming to secure a league double over the Blues, although both clubs now have different managers at the helm with Graham Potter replacing Thomas Tuchel and Javi Gracia succeeding Jesse Marsch.
Since his appointment on February 21, Gracia has overseen two Leeds games against Southampton and Fulham. His first game in charge was a victory over the Saints in a massive relegation six-pointer, but earlier this week his team were knocked out of the FA Cup by Fulham.
Many of the important first-team stars from last season are currently absent from the squad on a long-term basis, with Stuart Dallas and Rodrigo still recovering from injury. Dallas has not featured in a Leeds shirt since last April when he fractured his femur against Manchester City, while Rodrigo suffered ankle ligament damage which looks set to keep him out until early April, although the player himself expects to be "back before the international break."
Those two injuries were known to most, but many players look set to face a late fitness test to determine their availability for the weekend. Pascal Struijk, Liam Cooper and Max Wober are all doubts alongside Luis Sinisterra, who suffered a muscle injury in the draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford last month.
When asked about the latest injury news, Gracia offered an interesting response: "Don't worry they are in the best hands to recover as soon as possible. I don't like to speak about injured players because some of them, to be honest, I don't know if they are going to be ready or not. The main reason though [for a lack of update] is that I don't want to speak about injured players."
Sonny Perkins could be in line for a return after a month out but Adam Forshaw is a guaranteed omission as he continues his rehabilitation on a hip injury.
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