Leeds United v Nottingham Forest: Knock cramps Bamba's style

United’s captain was forced from the field towards the end of last weekend’s FA Cup win at Bolton Wanderers but head coach Steve Evans revealed that the centre-back was suffering from a bout of cramp. Bamba returned to Leeds’ starting line-up after a hip problem forced Liam Cooper to miss the fourth-round trip to the Macron Stadium. Cooper’s injury is minor and the former Chesterfield defender is expected to resume training this morning, in time to return to the side against Forest at Elland Road on Saturday.

Evans had hinted that he would move to sign a new centre-back if Bamba was facing a spell on the sidelines but news of the defender’s fitness ruled out the possibility of a new arrival before yesterday’s transfer deadline.

United, meanwhile, are crossing their fingers for positive results on Chris Wood with the striker due to have another scan on his injured hamstring tomorrow.

Leeds sent the forward for an assessment last week but Evans said the outcome had been inconclusive. Wood started only one game last month and aggravated an existing injury in that match, a 1-1 draw away at Brentford.

Meanwhile, Jordan Botaka, Tom Adeyemi and Casper Sloth were all used in an Under-21s clash with Coventry City at Thorp Arch yesterday. Sloth secured a 1-0 win with an 88th-minute goal.

United: Peacock-Farrell, Coyle, Purver, P McKay, Denton, Phillips, Adeyemi, Sloth, Botaka, Erwin, J McKay.