Leeds United: Jamie Shackleton ill as team changes v Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Leeds United were meant to start Jamie Shackleton during their FA Cup fifth-round clash with Chelsea, but the midfielder fell unwell according to Daniel Farke.
The Whites are looking to book their place in the quarter-finals of the competition at Stamford Bridge having beaten Peterborough and Plymouth Argyle but will have to do it without a number of key stars on Wednesday (28 February) night.
One man who was in line for a surprise appearance was versatile midfielder Shackleton, but the Leeds man became unwell in the lead-up to the fixture and was eventually replaced by Junior Firpo in the starting XI.
Speaking on ITV 4 on Wednesday (28 February, 19:17) Farke said: “A few players were just not available, Ilia Gruev and Georginio Rutter had some problems yesterday in training.
“Normally Jamie Shackleton should have started today but he felt unwell during the afternoon so Junior Firpo comes in.”
Why is Jamie Shackleton not playing for Leeds United v Chelsea?
Leeds United and Farke will be hoping to continue their excellent recent run in all competitions when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and while it won’t be easy, the Whites should be full of confidence.
Against Leicester City, Farke’s side were excellent and their display in the final minutes of the clash was more than worthy of the three points which allowed them to close the gap to the Foxes at the top of the table.
Chelsea have been indifferent for much of the campaign and while their team was incredibly expensive to put together, they showed in their League Cup defeat to Liverpool that they can be beaten by anyone at their worst.
Hopefully, Leeds can pull off an upset, even without the likes of Shackleton, Rutter and Ilia Gruev.
In other Leeds United news, Connor Roberts has shared a new promotion verdict following the win over Leicester
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