Leeds United: Jamie Shackleton injury ‘exception’ revealed as midfielder fails to keep himself fit
Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has revealed that Jamie Shackleton is set for “at least” two weeks on the sidelines after suffering another injury setback.
The 24-year-old replaced Sam Byram in stoppage time of the Whites’ 3-1 win over Hull City last time out – his first Championship appearance since a similarly late substitute appearance in the 3-0 victory at Cardiff City in January.
However, the midfielder’s fitness issues have reared their head again, with an adductor issue now set to rule him out once more.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Leeds’ trip to face Coventry City on 6 April, Farke said: “We are still struggling with a few injury problems. All the players in the squad for the last game are available for Coventry with one exception – Jamie Shackleton. Some problems with his adductors. Out for about two weeks at least.”
Jamie Shackleton just can’t seem to stay fit for Leeds United
Shackleton showed promising signs of resurrecting his Leeds career under Farke early in the 2023/24 campaign.
The 24-year-old was limited to a bit-part role since his breakthrough into the first team in the 2018/19 season and was loaned out to Millwall last term, where he finally secured regular minutes, making 36 Championship appearances for the Lions.
The versatile midfielder featured in seven of the Whites’ first nine league outings this season, playing the full 90 minutes six times and often being deployed at full-back – a mantle that has since been taken up by teenage star Archie Gray.
However, he has made just three appearances since the beginning of October, starting and finishing the 4-1 home win over Huddersfield Town in addition to his two stoppage-time league cameos this calendar year.
Shackleton did start two FA Cup games in January, but a run of games continues to elude him. The sooner he makes a full recovery, the sooner he can help Farke’s promotion-chasing side.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites’ highest-earning player has been revealed, earning £70,000 per week.
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