Early Leeds United team news v Watford: Four players ruled out, Joe Gelhardt available
Jesse Marsch will be without four senior players when Leeds United take on Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking to the media today (7 April), Marsch confirmed that the only absentees will be Tyler Roberts, Junior Firpo, Patrick Bamford and Jamie Shackleton.
On a positive not, Leo Hjelde and everyone else is available, which suggests that Joe Gelhardt isn’t injured after he left an Under-23s game early on Monday night.
“No real updates,” said Marsch, as quoted by LeedsLive.
“Tyler, Junior and Patrick good progress.
“Jamie Shackleton almost ready to train, not quite.
“Hjelde and others all available.”
Phil Hay relayed what Marsch said about Gelhardt and although he hasn’t trained this week, he’s expected to be involved at Watford.
The Athletic journalist said on Twitter: ” Gelhardt is yet to train this week but he’s due to train tomorrow and is expected to be available for the Watford game.
“Marsch says he felt Gelhardt needed game time in the 23s, which is why he played on Monday.”
One more win?
Leeds will know a bit more about the Premier League’s relegation battle by the time they kick-off at 3pm at Vicarage Road on Saturday as Everton and Newcastle will have both played by then.
Everton’s 3-2 defeat at Burnley on Wednesday night wasn’t the most ideal of results for the Whites as it means the Premier League’s relegation zone is a bit closer to them.
And if Newcastle win against Wolves on Friday and Everton bounce back with a win against Manchester United, Leeds will be left in a must-win situation against Watford.
While a draw will benefit Leeds more than it will the Hornets, Burnley are the team to watch now they have the wind in their sales.
And, worryingly, they play Norwich next at Carrow Road on Sunday.
To put all doubt to bed, Leeds must win this game.
They’ll go onto 33 points with a win, which would have been enough for them to stay up last season.
In other Leeds United news, this player has demanded a new contract from the board because he wants to stay at Elland Road for the rest of his career.