Leeds United early team news v Derby: Star duo to be monitored - Adam Pope

Leeds United pair Ethan Ampadu and Sam Byram will be monitored ahead of the upcoming contest with Derby County, Adam Pope has reported.

The BBC Radio Leeds broadcaster shared on X [26 December] that the duo will need to be assessed following the 2-0 Boxing Day victory at Stoke City, as the next clash with the Rams [29 December] closes out 2024.

Skipper Ampadu played the full game at the bet365 Stadium for Daniel Farke's side, while Byram was withdrawn in second-half stoppage time.

Pope posted: "Byram and Ampadu need to be monitored ahead of Derby. No major injuries tonight."

Leeds United now blessed with more options

Despite Leeds' compact squad, the injury issues which threatened to derail their promotion charge earlier this season have now cleared up somewhat.

The return of Ampadu is crucial to that, with his initial timeframe suggested to keep him absent until January.

Byram has also done a professional job of filling into both full-back roles, using his experience well to keep an exciting Whites team ticking over.

The likes of Ao Tanaka and Isaac Schmidt, both signed in the summer, could come in to replace the pair if they aren't risked to take on Derby, whose recent form has improved under Paul Warne.

Tanaka has grabbed his opportunity with both hands after injuries to Ampadu and Ilia Gruev and has been a seamless midfield operator, while Schmidt has seen his opportunities come fewer and further between.

The now table-topping Leeds took full advantage of Sheffield United's home defeat by Burnley on Boxing Day to move top of the Championship on goal difference.

In other Leeds news, Dan James is once again lauded in the press after his latest show of brilliance.

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