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LEEDS UNITED: United on defensive
Leeds United legend Norman Hunter says the early-season absence of defensive lynchpin Richard Naylor is a "body blow" for the club.
And the former Whites enforcer is keeping his fingers crossed that the 32-year-old won't be out of action too long after Naylor shored up a shaky back four immeasurably following his arrival from Ipswich Town in January.
Leeds-born Naylor – widely expected to be confirmed as full-time captain after finishing last season as stand-in skipper – underwent surgery on a long-standing back injury last week and is set to be sidelined for six weeks, ruling him out of the Whites' pre-season programme.
The centre-half is a serious doubt for United's home opener with Exeter City on August 8 and boss Simon Grayson faces the prospect of being without the two first-choice centre-halves who finished last season so impressively – in the shape of Naylor and loan star Sam Sodje.
The Nigerian's long-term future is yet to be resolved following his departure from Reading, with the 30-year-old available on a free transfer – but Leeds have yet to firm up any move
On the absence of Naylor, Hunter said: "That's a bit of a body blow for us and Naylor will be a loss. He was different class last year."
For more on this story see tonight's Yorkshire Evening Post or click back here later.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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