Daniel Feliciano

Wed 24 January 2024 22:10, UK

Leeds United were dealt a major injury blow at the end of their 1-0 win over Norwich after Archie Gray was forced off in “real discomfort” according to Graham Smyth.

The Whites earned a hard-fought win at Elland Road thanks to Patrick Bamford’s fourth goal in five games, putting Daniel Farke’s side just two points off the automatic promotion places in the Championship table.

But the game ended on a sour note when 17-year-old Gray was forced off injured late on and had to be helped off the pitch limping, with Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Smyth admitting Leeds were forced to change their substitution plans as a result.

“They haven’t done the Byram sub yet. It’s now Gray coming off instead,” he wrote on his personal Twitter account (24 January).

“Cooper is also getting stripped off and ready too, as Gray is helped to the side, limping.

“Byram on for Gray, who looks in real discomfort.”

Oh no

If there is one position that Leeds simply cannot afford to suffer any injuries in right now it’s right-back.

Djed Spence and Luke Ayling have been allowed to leave the club this month because of Gray’s form in the position, despite being a natural central midfielder.

But since then Farke has admitted the club want to strengthen in that area after being left short, so any injury to Gray would be a huge blow as options are incredibly thin.

Jamie Shackleton has played there on occasion and impressed while Sam Byram is a natural right-footer, but Gray has been able to offer added quality that those players simply don’t possess.

Fingers crossed that it’s just a knock and he’s able to walk it off in the changing room, but this could be a mighty blow to the club’s promotion hopes if it turns out to be a bad injury.

In other Leeds news, Premier League player ready to snub Leeds after Fabrizio Romano reveal.

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