Phil Hay spots Adam Forshaw and Jamie Shackleton back with Leeds United squad at Villa Park
Adam Forshaw and Jamie Shackleton have been spotted at Villa Park ahead of Leeds United versus Aston Villa by Phil Hay.
Writing via his personal Twitter account ahead of kick-off in the Premier League showdown, The Athletic journalist reported that Forshaw, 30, and Shackleton, 22, are in the squad to play Villa.
Forshaw missed the last game against Newcastle with an injury while Shackleton has been out injured since December 14.
Midfield boost
It’s great to see both Forshaw and Shackleton back in the side.
With the official teamsheet just a few minutes away from being confirmed by Leeds on their social media channels, it would be great to see Forshaw back in the starting line-up.
He only missed one game and that was a couple of weeks ago when we played against Newcastle.
He shouldn’t have lost any match fitness.
As for Shackleton, the 22-year-old versatile midfielder is an added new option for Leeds both in the centre of the park, where they’ve struggled for bodies all season, and at right-back.
With Junior Firpo out and Stuart Dallas tied down at left-back – plus with Cody Drameh out on loan at Cardiff – we will have to rely on Shackleton at times this season in the right-back slot.
While he’s not a key player, it’s great to see him back.
It’ll be a tough game for Leeds United at Villa Park tonight but it’s one we feel more confident about knowing that Forshaw is there.
He’s been a real start of the show for the Whites this term, especially when you consider how long he’d been out injured for.
In other Leeds United news, a pundit has predicted 60 or 70 minutes of game-time for this Leeds ace against Villa.