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Leeds United injury list and return dates for Harrogate Town and Sheffield Wednesday tests

-Credit:Getty Images
-Credit:Getty Images


Yorkshire bragging rights and a place in the FA Cup fourth round will be on the line when Leeds United and Harrogate Town collide at Elland Road tonight.

Daniel Farke's troops will fancy their chances of extending their unbeaten run to nine matches. While the Whites are top of the Championship, the Sulphurites are fourth-from-bottom in League Two after recording just one victory from their past eight outings.

Town have bolstered their ranks ahead of the trip to West Yorkshire, recruiting Eko Solomon on loan until the end of the season from Huddersfield Town. The 18-year-old Dutchman, who can also play in midfield, could make his debut against the Whites.

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But how is United's squad looking going into the tie? Here is the latest from the Thorp Arch treatment room:

Pascal Struijk

The centre-back travelled with the rest of the squad to the MKM Stadium but was not risked by Farke due to an ankle problem. Club captain Ethan Ampadu started alongside Joe Rodon at the heart of their rearguard.

There is a strong possibility Farke will make wholesale changes for the Elland Road tie on Saturday. Farke said at his pre-match press conference that Struijk has resumed team training. Yet this tie feels like the perfect opportunity to rest Struijk and give him additional time to get back to full fitness.

Possible squad return: Sheffield Wednesday (h) - January 19

Junior Firpo

The full-back sustained a hamstring injury early on in the 2-0 win over Derby County at the start of December and was replaced by Wober. Farke said Firpo, whose contract expires at the end of the season, would be out of action for four to six weeks. Like Struijk, Firpo is back in training.

What Farke said: "He's more or less in the final stages of his rehab. He's not in team training yet but I hope after the Hull game that he will return back to team training, perhaps even before the FA Cup game if everything works out before the upcoming days. It's looking good and pretty soon he will be back in team training."

Possible squad return: Sheffield Wednesday (h) - January 19

Max Wober

The Austrian international lined up at left-back against Hull City. In truth, he struggled as the Tigers staged a late fightback to secure a valuable point in their fight for survival. Farke revealed at his press call that Wober is struggling to shake off a knee problem.

What Farke said: “This week he had to rest. Yesterday we had a session with less load and he was back in team training. He seems to struggle a bit with his knee after an appearance. This is more or less the status."

Possible squad return: Unknown

Ilia Gruev

The Bulgarian international has been absent from Leeds' matchday squad since the away draw with Norwich City back in October. The midfielder was forced off in the 20th minute after suffering a serious knee injury. Farke recently confirmed the 24-year-old has returned to team training.

What Farke said: "Junior Firpo back in team training, Ilia Gruev back in team training, Pascal back first time today and also available."

Possible squad return: Late January

Patrick Bamford

The striker picked up a hamstring injury in United's home draw with Blackburn Rovers on New Year’s Day. He featured in the final 20 minutes of the Rovers clash as Farke's team were forced to settle for a point. Joe Gelhardt was drafted in to the matchday squad for the first time since late October away at Hull.

What Farke said: "He suffered a hamstring injury, he will be out more or less for four weeks, it could last a few more days, it could perhaps be a bit quicker depending on the rehab. It means there's a small chance in the end of January he's back in team training. We will see. Three more weeks at least."

Possible squad return: Late January