Jesse Marsch reveals triple injury boost as Leeds boss hits out at reaction to on-pitch huddle
Jesse Marsch has revealed Patrick Bamford will finally make his return to action in a Leeds shirt on Thursday – and has also revealed good news about three other Leeds United injury strugglers.
The new Leeds boss is gearing up for his first home match in charge when Aston Villa travel to Elland Road for a crucial game on Thursday. Leeds need the win to ease their relegation fears; as it stands they are just two points clear of the drop zone.
Bamford was part of the Leeds squad that lost 1-0 to Leicester on Saturday. And while he was an unused substitute that day, Marsch says he will play a part against Villa.
“Patrick will play for sure tomorrow. He won’t start but he’ll be ready from the bench,” Marsch said.
“The physical team told me what his loading has been over the past months, he hasn’t trained hard oten and hasn’t played much. That’s the reason I was hesitant against Leicester.
“He’s a positive guy, the effect he’ll have on the group will be massive.”
While Bamford will be in the squad, two men available to start are Adam Forshaw and Diego Llorente.
Llorente missed out at Leicester with a muscular problem, while Forshaw could only start from the bench.
“They’re both possibilities from the start and certainly close to 100%. Forshaw told me he hasn’t felt this good in weeks. Diego has been in full training today,” he added.
Boss pays tribute to Tyler Roberts
Marsch, however, will be without Tyler Roberts. The Wales forward suffered a season ending injury at the King Power and has since gone under the knife.
Marsch, however, paid tribute to Roberts’ determination not to come off and leave Leeds down to 10 men. He was their final substitute on the day, but was injured minutes after entering the action.
“I want to acknowlege the injury with Tyler Roberts,” Marsch added. “We knew it was going to be a heavy injury right away. Tyler was adamant he wanted to stay on, help us out with set-pieces…
“But he’s had a successful surgery. He texted me afterwards and was in positive spirits. We’re hopeful he’ll make a full recovery in three to four months.”
Leo Hjelde also recently went under the knife but Marsch is hopeful he could return before the end of the season.
“He had surgery Wednesday, last Wednesday. Seven or eight days ago. Immediate feedback is that it was not so severe. His knee hasn’t reacted, he has full range of motion. Recovery looking like a matter of weeks rather than months.”
On Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips, Marsch added: “Liam was in training yesterday. Kalvin is a few days behind. In my mind I’m earmarking the international break to get him back into regular training.”
Jesse Marsch explains Leeds United huddle
Asked how the players are adapting to his tactics, Marsch added: “We talked about that from the beginning. It’s not just tactics and football, it’s the type of leader I am.
“They’re getting to know me more, to understand what’s important to me and their ability to commit to that every day will determine how quick the learning curve is.”
One of the areas of debate after the defeat at Leicester was the Leeds huddle after the game.
Jesse Marsch, however, insists it’s something he’s done before during his time in Germany and Austria.
“Yeah [it was spontaneous], I’ve done that before though in Germany and Austria. That’s because after the game, it’s almost impossible to get all the players together after the match because media come straight away.
“It’s frankly hilarious and ridiculous the conversation around it. I thought the immediate feedback in that situation was important.”
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