Leeds United news: Whites employee hopeful of ‘massive’ player boost v Aston Villa
Noel Whelan has insisted Leeds United could receive a “massive” boost if any missing players return for next week’s visit to Aston VIlla.
The former Leeds striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted he is hopeful the two-week break in games can give the Whites’ injured stars time to recover.
The Yorkshire giants have suffered a mix of long, medium and short-term absences which have decimated the squad this season.
Senior stars Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips are expected to be out until March, while Patrick Bamford has been plagued with issues.
The likes of Adam Forshaw, Junior Firpo and Jamie Shackleton all missed the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle before the Premier League’s winter break.
Whelan insisted he was hopeful some players could recover in time for the Villa clash next Wednesday (9 February).
“I think any anybody coming back into the squad now is a plus,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“We’ve seen how thin and bare we are in terms of experience and your natural first-team players. It is great putting the kids in. It is fantastic to see but we do need the more experienced players.
“Those players who have been around it from the Championship into the Premier League, they give us those options.
“At the minute we look threadbare. The way the injuries have been coming this season, anybody back into that squad, is a massive plus for us.
“We will see what these two weeks bring. We’ll see who is going to be fit enough to join back in with the squad. I think we’ll have a bit more choice in positions for Marcelo Bielsa.”
Leeds currently sit 15th in the Premier League table despite their injury woes.
Star striker Bamford has played just six times in the league due to his numerous problems.
In other news, Football Insider can reveal Marcelo Bielsa blocked Leeds United player from making deadline day move.