Leeds United boost as Sheffield United concern raised ahead of Elland Road clash

Leeds United could face a Sheffield United side without Harry Souttar with the defender set for a race against time to return from international duty, according to The Star.

Danny Hall reported via the news outlet's website [8 October] that the defender may not return in time to face the Whites due to a mammoth trip to play for Australia before the clash at Elland Road on 18 October.

Leeds faces their own injury worries heading into the clash after the international break, with several key stars still expected to be missing for the clash.

Hall wrote: "[Sheffield] United have concerns of their own, with influential defender Harry Souttar embarking on a gruelling 21,000, 47-hour journey around the world on Australia duty."

Leeds have a better chance of winning crucial Sheffield United game

Daniel Farke faces a must-win clash against Sheffield United after the international break and could now be on a level playing field in the Yorkshire derby.

Leeds will be without Max Wober and Ethan Ampadu for an extended period following long-term injuries to the first-team regulars, which leaves Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon as the club's only senior options available at centre-back.

However, Manor Solomon will remain in West Yorkshire throughout the international break [Graham Smyth] with the hope the Israeli forward can feature against Sheffield United, while Dan James is also in contention to return to the side on 18 October [Leeds Live].

The return of two of the main attacking options at Elland Road would be a much-needed boost for Farke,. His side has failed to win any of their matchups with the supposed promotion rivals this season, a feat that must end against Sheffield United.

While the Whites have climbed back up the Championship table in recent weeks, the 3-3 draw against Sunderland, wherein Illan Meslier's error allowed the hosts to salvage a share of the spoils on 97 minutes, is the latest in a long list of setbacks at Elland Road this season.

Souttar's potential absence would be massive for Leeds, and a win would be exactly what Farke needs to kickstart his side's title charge this season against unbeaten opposition.

In other Leeds United news, Luke Humphries hits back at Leicester crowd after chants go too far.

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