Karl Darlow ruled out indefinitely as new Leeds United injury issue emerges v Birmingham City

Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow misses the New Year's Day Championship clash with Birmingham City because of a dislocated thumb, according to Graham Smyth.

The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist, taking to his personal Twitter account (1 January) shared that there is no timescale for his return to action as of yet.

Reserve goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson takes his place in the Leeds United goal for his first appearance of the campaign with Illan Meslier suspended and now Darlow out injured.

Blow

This is not just a blow for Leeds United but for Darlow himself who will have been using Meslier's suspension as an opportunity to prove himself to Daniel Farke.

The former Newcastle shot-stopper didn't enjoy the most eventful games of his career in the defeat to West Brom but will have certainly been disappointed by the defeat.

The game against Birmingham would have been a fine chance for him to show his own fans how good he is and prove that he is just as good and as reliable as his competitor in Meslier.

However, that chance has indeed now been blown out of the water for Darlow and it is now an opportunity for Klaesson to prove himself at Elland Road, a goalkeeper who has rarely been seen for the club throughout his time in West Yorkshire.

Farke will be praying this isn't another blow that damages their chances of beating Wayne Rooney's Birmingham City in what will be a hugely pivotal clash for Leeds United.

In other Leeds United news, Gary Rowett has admitted that he is “fed up” following a controversial call in the Whites clash with West Brom