Wednesday 28th December 8:00pm | Elland Road
Leeds United return to action against Manchester City on Wednesday evening, following the five-week World Cup break without a number of keys players. Jesse Marsch's team sit perilously close to the drop zone, and with the trip to third place Newcastle Utd at the weekend, festive cheer may quickly turn to anguish going into the New Year.
Leeds have concerns over ten first team players. Patrick Bamford's return from injury has coincided with illness, leaving the 29 year old unable to train, thus ruling him out for the foreseeable future. Luis Sinisterra is out too, but should at least resume training in a couple of weeks. Stuart Dallas's return to action has been put on hold, after it was revealed that the 31 year old had to undergo further clean up surgery. Tyler Adams is ruled out through suspension.
Crysencio Summerville (ankle), Mateusz Klich (illness) and Harrison (groin) were all rated doubtful but will make the bench. Ilan Meslier has recovered enough from a bout of glandular fever to make the starting eleven. Kristensen, Struijk, Cooper and Koch will make up the defence. Roca, Forshaw and Greenwood are the midfield three with Aaronson and Gnoto expected to play wider with Rodrigoup front.
Former Leeds favourite Kalvin Phillips will miss the trip back to Elland Road following conditioning concerns. Pep Guardiola is furious with the 27 year old, who recently returned to training 'overweight', therefore losing his place in the first team squad.
Argentine World Cup winner Alvarez has been given an extended period of rest, whilst central defender Ruben Dias has a hamstring injury. Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake are set to compete for Dias’ spot. Kyle Walker, Joao Cancelo, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Jones Stones are all hoping for a return to action.
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