Carla Devine

Sat 1 March 2025 21:10, UK

Leeds United are in excellent form this season, but their Premier League promotion hopes may now be in jeopardy after a new injury update.

The Whites are unbeaten in 17 Championship games and sit three points clear at the top of the table.

However, a draw against West Brom on Saturday with Sheffield United winning means the gap has decreased, showing there is no opportunity for Leeds to get too comfortable.

Daniel Farke hit with injury blow

Although they took the lead after nine minutes, Daniel Farke’s side had to settle for a point against West Brom at Elland Road after Darnell Furlong equalised for the visitors.

Mateo Joseph was brought on in the 72nd minute with Farke hoping that his side could find a way back into leading the game.

However, the striker was unable to have the desired impact. Instead, things looked bleak with Farke admitting after the game that Joseph rolled his ankle, causing fears over his fitness.

Although the 21-year-old seemed to finish the game okay, the Leeds boss admitted that he will have to be assessed, causing some concern over a potential injury.

Of late, the boss seems to have settled on Joel Piroe as his first choice striker on the pitch but Joseph is still being given the chance to make appearances from the bench.

Farke cannot afford to have Joseph injury

The Leeds manager will be keeping his fingers crossed over the fitness of Joseph before he is assessed as he cannot afford to have the striker out injured.

It’s clear that Piroe is the safer strike option this term and with that in mind, it’s no surprise that Farke has made his preference as things ramp up.

However, there is no doubt that having just one striker fit is a massive risk for a side that is looking to achieve promotion to the Premier League.

Patrick Bamford is also nursing an injury on the sidelines, although even when fit, Farke has made it clear that he is not someone who is a chosen starter.

You can understand why the German was reluctant to make too many moves during the winter transfer window, but there has to be a concern now that a lack of attacking reinforcement could risk promotion.

If Joseph is assessed and faces a period on the sidelines, the West Yorkshire outfit then have to rely on Piroe staying fit but also delivering with no other options available to change things up.

There is still plenty of football left to be played and although they are in great form, it is essential to keep that up until the end of the season if the Whites really want to look towards life in the Premier League.