Harri Burton

Fri 24 November 2023 12:10, UK

Leeds United have been handed a boost ahead of their Rotherham United tie with caretaker manager Wayne Carlisle confirming the injuries to Cafu and Sam Clucas will see them miss the Championship showdown.

The pair were ruled out until December with hamstring damage suffered during the Millers’ 5-0 loss to Watford earlier this month, which would eventually lead to the sacking of Matt Taylor.

Speaking to the Rotherham Advertiser in a recent press conference (23 November), the temporary manager said: “It’s not ideal but, let’s be honest, in comparison to some of the other injuries we’ve had it’s a lot better than those.”

“He’s [Cafu] been having some physio treatment out there [in Portugal]. He’ll have a follow-up MRI scan.

“Like with Sam, it’s looking like early-to-mid-December time.”

Time to strike

Rotherham are in freefall. With just two wins in 16 matches this season, the Millers are in the relegation zone and are four points from safety.

Leeds’ visit to the AESSEAL New York Stadium represents an opportunity to close the gap on joint-top league leaders Leicester City and Ipswich Town, who have both registered 39 points from their opening games.

The injuries to Clucas and Cafu have only worsened Rotherham’s situation, with Tyler Blackett and Cameron Humphreys both suffering torn hamstrings and will be out until the New Year.

A wounded side floating near the bottom of the stadium is a great opportunity for the White to grab their 10th Championship win of the season, but not an opponent to be underestimated.

The visitors are unbeaten in the last four meetings, with Rotherham last claiming victory in November 2016.

Without Clucas’ midfield presence and Cafu’s defensive stability in front of the centre-backs, it looks ever more likely that Daniel Farke and his team will leave South Yorkshire will all three points.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites’ FFP forecast has seen the 49ers now tipped to “flex their muscles” in January.