Leeds United injury latest and return dates ahead of Championship clash with Derby County

Leeds United are preparing for a crucial home double-header in their quest to secure promotion back to the Premier League. Derby County and Middlesbrough visit Elland Road in quick succession looking to dent the Whites' title aspirations.

A desperately disappointing showing at Blackburn Rovers has left some United supporters questioning Daniel Farke's team selection and tactics. It was a real off day.

But Farke has the best win percentage (55.4%) of any coach to manage more than 10 matches in the club's history. Defeat at Ewood Park was only their third of the campaign. And despite concerns over their away form, the Whites remain firmly in the mix for automatic promotion.

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United manager Farke allayed any injury worries over Joe Rodon in the aftermath of their 1-0 loss in Lancashire. Here is a round-up on who is currently in the Thorp Arch treatment room and when they could potentially return to action:

Sam Byram

The experienced full-back was absent from the matchday squad over the weekend after suffering a hamstring strain just before the hour mark in their home win over Luton Town. Austrian international Max Wober filled in at left-back as the Whites ran-out 3-0 winners.

Junior Firpo replaced Byram at left-back against Rovers but struggled on his return to the side after serving a three-match suspension.

Possible squad return: Derby County (h) - December 7

Isaac Schmidt

The summer signing underwent minor hernia surgery during the international break. Schmidt has sat-out the clashes with Swansea City, Luton and Blackburn.

The defender was due to return to training last week. Such is the competition for places in the full-back department, Schmidt has only figured four times from off the bench in the Championship since moving to English football. In an interview with Switzerland’s 20 Minuten, via Sport Witness, Schmidt said: “I know that I have to take a step forward and that I’m going to have to fight for my place. Nothing is ever a given in football.”

Possible squad return: Derby County (h) - December 7

Ethan Ampadu

Having damaged a lateral knee ligament in late September at home to Coventry City, the club captain was ruled out of team selection until 2025, despite the injury not requiring surgery. When quizzed on Ampadu's recovery from injury last month, Farke said: “We would love to have him back, but we won't rush it. It was a serious injury. He's a bit ahead, but let's see how it develops. It's always difficult to say.

“You have to extend the load from day to day, and there could be a day when you have to be a bit careful and take a step back. It's pretty rare I've ever experienced a straightforward rehab.

“So far, each day it was better and it looks really good, but it's too soon to judge when he can help us again."

Possible squad return: Blackburn Rovers (h) - January 1

Ilia Gruev

Only a few days after his midfield partner went down with a knee injury, Gruev followed Ampadu to the sidelines with an even more severe knee problem. The Bulgarian international suffered a significant injury to his meniscus in the 1-1 draw at Norwich City, with the club advising they were looking at months not weeks on his recovery time.

Bulgaria boss Ilian Iliev later provided more context on how they saw it at the national level, saying: “At first, we thought the meniscus was not damaged and it would take a month to recover.

“It turned out to be the worst, about five months will be the recovery and he will return, alive and well, for the World [Cup] qualifications.”

Possible squad return: Millwall (h) - March 12