Sam Byram absence is being keenly felt as worrying Leeds United stat emerges
There was no huge fanfare when it was confirmed Sam Byram was returning to Leeds United this summer.
Don’t get me wrong, it seemed an eminently sensible decision to bring him back to Elland Road because of his versatility and ability to cover both full-backs.
But it turned out to be more than just a good cover signing, indeed Byram has been excellent for Leeds since Daniel Farke – who knew him from this time at Norwich City – decided to reunite with him.
The left-back berth had become his own until a hamstring injury sustained in the 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers (9 December) kept him out of the games against Sunderland (12 December) and Coventry City (16 December).
Leeds lost the first of those fixtures 1-0 at the Stadium of Light and could only muster a 1-1 draw in the second at Elland Road.
It continued what is quite a worrying trend this season and emphasised the importance of how good Byram has been and how he has flown under the radar at times.
Opta stats expert Jonny Cooper posted on X: “Leeds United are still yet to win a Championship game this season without Sam Byram in the starting XI (6 games without him: 5 draws, 1 defeat).
“Leeds have won 12 of 16 games with him in the XI.”
The likes of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter are among those to have earned particular praise for a Leeds side in the hunt for automatic promotion this term.
But that stat really highlights how important Byram has been, it literally shows that this season they have been unable to win without him.
As it stands, it is not known exactly when Byram will be fit to return, although hamstring injuries can often be pretty problematic so they will want to make sure he is fully recovered.
At the same time, it is abundantly clear that Leeds could do with him back in the fold as soon as possible.
In other Leeds United news, Beren Cross has noted the “red flags” emerging over Joel Piroe.