Sam Allardyce faces crucial Adam Forshaw call for Leeds United clash with West Ham amid fitness concerns
Ahead of what will be a crucial clash for Leeds United against West Ham on Sunday [21 May], Sam Allardyce may have a critical call to make on fit-again Adam Forshaw.
The veteran midfielder was deemed able to start the 2-2 draw against Newcastle but was unable to play the full game, following his recent groin issue.
Allardyce opted to introduce Forshaw from the bench at half-time, replacing Sam Greenwood in the engine room, with the Whites securing fighting to claim a crucial draw after coming from behind to lead.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reported on 16 May that head of performance and medicine Rob Price proved a key component in getting him fit for the Elland Road clash against the Magpies, with The Athletic journalist Phil Hay also claiming [15 May] that the new Leeds United boss wants the 31-year-old to play every minute of their two remaining games.
The Whites have been rather leaky in recent weeks, having recorded the most conceded in a single month in Premier League history for the month of April.
Allardyce has in the past proven the master of stopping leaky defences and has once again been tasked in doing the same for Leeds, but adding Forshaw to his starting XI may well prove to be the deciding factor in their survival hopes.
The veteran may be very dependable when he is on the pitch, but the big issue is that he hardly is fit enough to be on the turf given his injury issues in the past.
The midfielder made a big difference in the heart of the side when coming on against Newcastle, and if he can get a good week of training behind him, he will very likely start against West Ham.
Experience is absolutely vital in the circumstances Leeds United find themselves in right now, and with the Whites possessing a rather young and vibrant squad, that may not be enough to get them over the line.
With two pivotal games to go in their season, Allardyce may well have to fall back on his more experienced heads to turn the tide in their favour once again.
A Forshaw start on Sunday [21 May] could well provide the answer Allardyce is desperately searching for. Crucial decision.
In other Leeds United news, a partial closure of Elland Road could now be on the cards with an investigation underway