Jonty Banks

Mon 6 March 2023 8:10, UK

Javi Gracia already has three Leeds United players ruled out for the upcoming Premier League clash against Brighton on Saturday (11 March), while Patrick Bamford remains a “50%” doubt, according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.

Writing for the Premier Injuries website (Monday 6 March), Dinnery confirmed that top-scorer Rodrigo was ruled out for the upcoming match with an ankle injury, along with midfielder Adam Forshaw and club veteran Stuart Dallas.

Patrick Bamford has a potential return date of “11/03/2023” after missing out on the 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the weekend and has a 50/50 chance of lining up against Roberto de Zerbi’s high-flying Seagulls.

Luis Sinisterra, meanwhile, stands a “25%” chance of featuring due to an ongoing thigh injury, while centre-back Liam Cooper’s status is at “25%” after sustaining a muscular injury.

Lack of goals

The major talking point from Gracia’s latest round of injuries is that Bamford and Rodrigo are both unlikely to be available for selection against Brighton.

Ever since Rodrigo sustained his ankle injury against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup last month, the goals have dried up for Leeds United quite spectacularly. Since this match, Leeds have only managed to find the back of the net three times in seven games after drawing yet another blank against Chelsea on Saturday (4 March).

With Georginio Rutter also struggling to fully adjust to the physical nature of the Premier League, this remains Gracia’s primary concern.

The one piece of positive news is that Sinisterra could be nearing a return to action from his thigh injury. With a potential return date of 11 March, the attacker could be ready to feature for the club’s latest crunch clash against Wolves in almost a fortnight’s time.

In other Leeds news, Graham Smyth has labelled the Whites as “toothless” after their loss to Chelsea.

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