Connor Roberts with Leeds United squad for Rotherham United amid Jamie Shackleton news

Jamie Shackleton is not with the Leeds United squad to face Rotherham United at Elland Road, according to Adam Pope.

The BBC journalist shared a squad update via Twitter on 10 February to say there was "no sign" of the versatile Whites ace amid an illness.

Daniel Farke revealed the 24-year-old hadn't trained with the squad ahead of the game for that reason in his pre-match press conference, and it appears not to have cleared up, but January signing Connor Roberts is available to make his debut.

Pope wrote: "The LUFC squad arrives. Roberts with squad. No sign of Shackleton who has been ill. Otherwise seems as per."

Ill Shackleton absent for Leeds United but Connor Roberts could make debut

It likely shouldn't be too much of a blow to be without Shackleton for this one because the Leeds United squad should have more than enough to take three points against the Championship's bottom side.

It can't be taken for granted though since the Whites were held to a draw in the return fixture on 26 November for two valuable dropped points.

Whether Farke sees fit to unleash on-loan Burnley man Roberts for this one is perhaps the biggest anticipated factor, with the Deadline Day arrival unable to feature in the FA Cup having not been at Leeds for the first tie against Plymouth Argyle.

With West Brom and Ipswich currently level at Portman Road there is the opportunity for the Whites to put a bit of daylight between them and their promotion rivals.

Farke's side has been in outstanding form since the start of 2024, with Ethan Ampadu dropping back into defence and Ilia Gruev entering the midfield, while Willy Gnonto has also stepped up with a couple of key goals.

In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay expects Luis Sinisterra's permanent transfer to be the first of a series of similar moves.

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