Leeds United can breathe sigh of relief at anxious time after Solomon update
Leeds United supporters can be forgiven for a rise in nervousness ahead of the business end of the season, with one win from their last three.
Several of their key players have registered fewer successful contributions to Daniel Farke’s side in recent weeks, including Manor Solomon.
The winger has been electric at times this term while on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, but his only part in a goal across the last six games has been his deflected cross for the early own goal against Millwall.
Solomon performance drop could be down to injury
Daniel Farke revealed last month that Solomon was carrying a minor injury, making him doubtful to feature in the crucial Championship promotion clash against Sheffield United (24 February).
The 25-year-old did turn out to play in that – and every game since – with Dr Rajpal Brar telling MOT Leeds News on Monday (17 March) that Elland Road star Solomon’s “knock” could range between “superficial bruising” and a “micro trabecular fracture” – but regardless, his presence in recent games mean he is at little risk of worsening the blow.
While it could be easy to make what would be perceived as an excuse for Solomon here with his goalscoring and assist production having dried up, the knock could be a setback for his recent performances.
Even just the mental risk assessment of aggravating an injury can tremendously affect a player, though Solomon has been eager to play as many minutes as possible – his reaction to Farke substituting him at QPR last Saturday (15 March) proving that.
Leeds United need all the help they can get
Leeds still lead the way in the Championship, but have slowed down in their progress having had to claim a point the hard way at QPR – a place they have found it notoriously tricky to visit – after having lost to Portsmouth but then beaten Millwall.
A mixed bag of results is commonplace for any team in the second tier but when Sheffield United and Burnley are applying the pressure in the manner they are, wins are paramount.
It is entirely understandable that some Leeds fans may be feeling the raised anxiety at their league fate, having suffered last season, and a day will not have gone by since when it hasn’t plagued Farke’s mind.
| POS | Championship table 2024-25 | PLD | PTS | GD |
| 1 | LEEDS UNITED | 38 | 80 | +51 |
| 2 | Sheffield United | 38 | 80 | +25 |
| 3 | Burnley | 38 | 78 | +41 |
| 4 | Sunderland | 38 | 69 | +18 |
Injuries would certainly not be welcome right now, and neither are losses in form. Leeds have enough time to sustain a ruthless run between now and the end of the season and ensure they secure their return to the Premier League.
Next up for the Whites is the visit of Swansea City on 29 March, following the international break.