Rodon, Bogle and Gruev - Leeds United injury list and return dates for Preston North End

Leeds United will be targeting a third successive Championship victory when they head to Preston North End on Saturday lunch-time.

Buoyed after convincing home wins over Derby County and Middlesbrough, the Whites will be strong favourites to continue their good run of form against the mid-table Lilywhites. Three of United's next four fixtures are away from fortress Elland Road, but they travel to Lancashire in good spirits and in the automatic promotion places.

But the question on the lips of many Whites supporters is will they have any players back from injury for the trip to Deepdale? Here is the latest from the Thorp Arch treatment room as United look to strengthen their position in the automatic promotion race.

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Joe Rodon

The centre-back suffered a knee injury in the second half of the midweek clash with Boro. He looked in pain but managed to complete the match as the Whites picked up three more valuable points in their title charge.

"He was hit on his knee and I think there’s a bruise and pretty painful," said boss Daniel Farke. "But he’s also a warrior and we couldn’t afford to lose him.”

Possible squad return: Preston North End (A) - December 14.

Sam Byram

Farke started Byram at right-back against Boro after Jayden Bogle was ruled out. Byram put in an assured performance but was withdrawn in the closing stages due to cramp and replaced by Ethan Ampadu. The reliable defender had only recently returned from a hamstring problem.

Farke said: “He reported some cramp and had been back for just one training session after injury. I was hoping that Ethan Ampadu could see the game out in the last moments and apart from one or two passes, he was hen also helping to bring this over the line and we’re happy to have him back.”

Possible squad return: Preston North End (A) - December 14.

Jayden Bogle

Bogle was not risked versus Boro - just 24 hours after Farke confirmed he would make a late selection decision on the right-back. Farke is due to hold his pre-match press conference tomorrow and will no doubt be asked to provide a fitness update on Bogle. Given Byram is available for selection again, it might be that Farke gives Bogle a little longer to recover from the knock ahead of a crucial festive period.

Possible squad return: Oxford United (H) - December 21.

Junior Firpo

The left-back was taken off in the 21st minute of Saturday's Championship clash against Derby County after sustaining a hamstring problem. Farke expects Firpo to be out of action for four to six weeks.

"It's bad news for him," said Farke. "He should be back available at some point in January. It's a heart-breaking injury for us because Junior is an integral part of the squad."

Possible squad return: Mid-January

Ilia Gruev

The midfielder has not played since picking up a serious knee injury away at Norwich City back in October. The knock required surgery and an extended period of rehabilitation.

Farke has warned it will still be “a while” until Gruev resumes team training. Farke said: "Back on the grass with trainers on and running on the grass instead of just running on the treadmill.

"He is doing some running stuff but it will last a while until he's really back in team training. Obviously, sometimes he has also his boots on to get used to his boots again, also like he runs with the boots.

“But he's far away from being involved in team trainings from tackles and whatever. He won't return back to team training in the next couple of weeks. It will last a while."

Possible squad return: Late January