Leeds United ace who missed Norwich clash with injury spotted arriving at Sunderland
Leeds United may be in the middle of an injury crisis but Isaac Schmidt is with the squad to face Sunderland, Graham Smyth reports.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist took to X to provide an update as the players arrived at the Stadium of Light on 4 October, with the Deadline Day signing in tow.
Leeds Live’s Beren Cross shared footage of the squad getting off the bus, with the full-back spotted among those present.
Schmidt was one of five who missed the 1-1 draw at Norwich City on 1 October, along with Dan James, Manor Solomon, Ethan Ampadu and Max Wober, and appears to be the only one to have returned.
With Ampadu already ruled out for 10 weeks [The Athletic, 30 September] the loss of Ilia Gruev in the Canaries draw has compounded the midfield situation, as he also now requires surgery the club have confirmed.
Daniel Farke facing Leeds United injury crisis
Schmidt is arguably the one from the afflicted group who’s availability is least beneficial as he has only featured for eight minutes off the bench so far.
It is in the middle where the real concerns are, with Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell now expected to man the midfield for at least the next two months without recognised back up.
It is possible that a player like Schmidt may be asked to step into that beach as Daniel Farke is likely to need to get creative over the coming weeks.
In attacking areas Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani were key against Norwich but neither were quite at their dynamic best, so the problems for James and Solomon are also a worry.
The Tottenham loanee is especially troubling as one injury has already become two in the short time since he arrived, confirming some of the doubts around his record.
And for an away game against the table-topping Black Cats it is far from ideal to be anywhere other than full strength, so this Championship clash could be a challenge.
In other Leeds United news, there could be “pain” on the cards for fans after 49ers and Red Bull plans emerged, according to a finance expert.
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