Leeds United face a very quick return to action with Monday’s potentially promotion-sealing hosting of Stoke City – for which fresh blows have left six men out and three more doubts.
Hot on the heels of Good Friday’s 1-0 win at Oxford United, Daniel Farke’s Whites face an Easter Monday 3pm kick-off at home to Stoke in which another three points would put the promotion champagne well and truly on ice.
Friday’s victory at Oxford has left Leeds top of the Championship on goal difference ahead of second-placed Burnley but more importantly five points clear of third-placed Sheffield United.
Four points from United’s final three games would mathematically guarantee a return to the Premier League but Leeds will be promoted on Easter Monday evening if they beat Stoke and Sheffield United fail to win at Burnley in a 5.30pm kick-off.
Stoke enjoyed a 2-0 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Friday and now find themselves on the cusp of safety in being 16th and seven points clear of the dropzone with just three games left.
Now the Potters will head to West Yorkshire for an enormous contest but blows have left six me out and three more doubtful although three more are back. Here, we run through the injury news from both sides.
Experienced Stoke defender Gibson missed the weekend’s clash against Sheffield Wednesday due to illness. It remains to be seen if the 32-year-old is back available to face the Whites. | Barrington Coombs/PA Wire
Stoke’s Northern Ireland international midfielder Thompson was stretchered off with an ankle injury after coming on as a substitute in Friday’s win at home to Sheffield Wednesday and is clearly a major doubt. | Getty Images
Another fresh Stoke blow, Potters left back Bocat also suffering a knock against the Owls and forced off. Another doubt. | Getty Images
Young Stoke midfielder Sidibe has been a long term absentee with a back injury and has not featured since December’s reverse fixture against Leeds at the Potteries. | Getty Images
Stoke’s Republic of Ireland international left back Stevens has now missed his side’s last six games after a fresh injury blow. | Getty Images
Potters defender Rose is another Stoke player out injured, the 29-year-old yet to return and having now missed his side’s last four games. | Getty Images
Stoke CityOxford UnitedSheffield WednesdayDaniel FarkeChampionshipBurnley