Leeds United: Phil Hay shares Connor Roberts injury update ahead of Sunderland clash
Leeds United defender Connor Roberts may not yet be ready to start for Daniel Farke’s side against Sunderland, according to Phil Hay
The Welshman returned to the Whites matchday squad in their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Coventry City on Saturday (6 April) and played the second half at the CBS Arena, impressing at right-back.
Most supporters would like to see the Burnley loanee feature from the start against the Black Cats on Tuesday (9 April) but Athletic journalist Hay had admitted it may be too soon for Roberts to play more than 45 minutes.
Speaking on The Square Ball (7 April, 20:57) he said: “That would seem to me, with Gray pushing into midfield, like an easy change to make. The only question I think will be how long Roberts can play for.
“He went for 45 minutes today, but Farke was saying they were really pushing him to the maximum by doing that because I think he’d only had one training session before the weekend, but that’s probably the area to keep an eye on.”
Will Connor Roberts start for Leeds United and Daniel Farke against Sunderland?
Leeds United will want to get back to winning ways against Sunderland after their unbeaten run in 2024 was brought to an end by Mark Robbins’ side, but it won’t be easy, especially with several key players still sidelined.
Jack Clarke is arguably the Black Cats’ most dangerous player and he gave Archie Gray a torrid time at The Stadium of Light earlier this season, therefore, it would massively help Leeds’ chances if Roberts started at right-back instead.
But, Farke has made it clear in the past that he will only start players when he believes they are fit enough to get through a game without picking up another injury and that may not yet be the case for the Welshman.
Hopefully, he’ll be a bit further along in his recovery plan and he could push to play an hour instead of 45 minutes, but the most important thing for the Whites is ensuring that they his fit and available for the remainder of the run-in.
In other Leeds United news, an update has emerged surrounding Sam Greenwood’s potential permanent switch to Middlesbrough
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