Phil Hay raises ‘question mark’ over Sam Byram fitness ahead of Leeds United v QPR
Phil Hay has raised concerns over Sam Byram’s availability as Leeds United prepare to face QPR at Loftus Road on Friday (26 April).
Despite suffering from injury woes this season, the full-back has managed to amass 22 Championship starts and his involvement against Middlesbrough on Monday (22 April) saw Archie Gray pushed into his more natural midfield position.
Byram’s versatility is a major plus for Leeds but Hay pondered whether he might not be able to play again against QPR given the game comes just four days on from the Boro fixture.
Speaking via The Square Ball podcast on Thursday (25 April), Hay said: “I thought it was the right decision against Blackburn Rovers, even though it didn’t work [moving Gray into midfield].
“It seemed like a good idea to get a bit more spark, and get more of what Gray does in midfield – make runs into the box and look for shooting opportunities.
“I think he’ll stick with that. I don’t see a reason to change it. I assume Byram is in okay shape for another game on Friday, though there might be a question mark over that as he hasn’t played a lot recently.”
Will Sam Byram feature in Leeds United v QPR?
Farke’s pre-match comments would suggest that Byram will be available to face the Hoops in what is a crucial match in the Whites’ charge for automatic promotion.
Each game in the end-of-season run-in has been pivotal and the 4-3 thriller against Middlesbrough might yet end up being a hugely significant moment in Leeds’ battle for the top two spots.
The 30-year-old’s involvement was a key part of the performance as it meant that Gray could be pushed back into midfield and help sure up the middle of the park alongside Ilia Gruev.
The Elland Road faithful will be hoping that he is fit enough to face QPR, allowing Gray to keep his midfield role, especially with Connor Roberts continuing to suffer from injury.
Roberts missed out completely on the trip to the Riverside Stadium, and it remains to be seen whether he will be in the squad on Friday, which puts more pressure on Byram to be fit.
Farke’s comments will certainly reduce some of the anxiety over his fitness, though anything can happen in the final games of the season.
In other Leeds United news, Shareholder talks have already begun over a potential redevelopment at Elland Road
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