Leeds dealt ‘massive’ blow after Forshaw injury update – Whelan
Noel Whelan has admitted Leeds United have been dealt a “massive” blow ahead of Saturday’s clash with Newcastle United with Adam Forshaw ruled out through injury.
The former Leeds striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Whites would severely miss the 30-year-old’s experience in the middle of the park.
Speaking at his press conference on Thursday (20 January), Marcelo Bielsa confirmed Forshaw and Junior Firpo will miss Saturday’s clash with hamstring injuries.
The duo were subbed off at the same time in last week’s 3-2 win over West Ham.
Whelan admitted it was “strange” to see two players suffer the same injury within moments of each other.
He admitted Forshaw’s absence would be a significant one for Bielsa’s men.
“It’s so disappointing. Just when he was getting back in the swing and the groove of the game, he picks up this little hamstring.
“You could see straight away that he wasn’t happy. Then you’ve got Firpo at the same time with a hamstring niggle as well.
“Very strange to see two players at exactly the same moment coming off with exactly the same injury.
“For Adam, it’s one of those hindrances he didn’t need, especially when he’s getting back into the flow of it. Part of the first team consistently and we were seeing the best of Adam Forshaw.
“When you look at experience and what we need in that midfield area, he was vitally important considering the fact that Kalvin Phillips is out.
“He is more experienced, a player that can get on the ball in tight areas. He’s fearless with the ball at his feet and players around him. Really, he is the one that starts off the play for us.
“Forshaw will be a massive miss because of the way he has come back. He has nailed that position down and made it his own.”
Forshaw has been a regular for Leeds since returning from a two-year absence due to a hip injury.
He has played 12 times in the Premier League this season.
In other news, pundit predicts Leeds United signing Bamford ally after source’s update on bid for 21-year-old.