Leeds promotion rivals hit with significant double blow
Leeds United and West Brom have been battling for the top spot in the Championship for most of the season.
The Baggies are currently one point ahead of Leeds but they have just been hit with a significant double blow to two of their best players.
Firstly, attacker Matheus Pereira has been charged with violent conduct for an alleged elbow on Stoke City’s Joe Allen in the 1-0 defeat at The Hawthorns on Monday night.
They have until 6pm tonight to respond but he could miss three games, including the FA Cup clash on Saturday.
West Brom might well decide not to appeal – if they do, Pereira could miss three Championship games.
23-year-old Pereira has been an absolute revelation for West Brom this season, with five goals and 14 assists in 26 league games.
The news about Pereira comes on the back of a worrying injury update on Grady Diangana.
Diangana was making his comeback from a hamstring injury when he had to be subbed off clutching the back of his leg in the opening minutes of the game against Stoke.
Bilic confirmed afterwards that it was the same leg that had seen him miss four games.
Diangana has scored five goals and added six assists this season and West Brom haven’t won in the league since he’s been injured.
West Brom are still top of the table but both Bilic’s side and Leeds have suffered a serious dip in form.
The chasing pack is catching up, with Nottingham Forest playing tonight – a win would see them move to within two points of Leeds.
Given that, this could be a huge boost to Leeds’ title and promotion prospects, especially when you check out some of the reactions from Baggies fans to the news.
In other Leeds United news, BBC journalist: Leeds United set to sign forward this week, major Adams update