The weekend fixture against the Tigers will present United’s fifth game in the space of 15 days, ahead of which Daniel Farke’s Whites sit top of the Championship and three points clear of both second-placed Burnley and third-placed Sheffield United.
Hull, meanwhile, find themselves at the wrong end of the table and below the dreaded dotted line in sitting third-bottom and one point adrift of safety. The club’s fortunes have, however, improved under new boss Ruben Selles who has a host of injuries to contend with. But Leeds also have key men either out or doubtful for the Saturday afternoon 3pm kick-off against the Tigers. Here, we run through the injury news from both camps with ten players out and two more doubts.
7. Charlie Hughes (out)
Hull's England under-20s defender Hughes suffered a hamstring injury in training ahead of Boxing Day's defeat at Preston North End and the blow is set to keep the 21-year-old out for six to eight weeks. Photo: Ed Sykes
8. Ilia Gruev (out)
United's Bulgarian international midfielder Gruev remains on the comeback trail from knee surgery. Photo: George Wood
9. Junior Firpo (out)
Whites left back Firpo suffered a serious hamstring injury in the 2-0 win at home to Derby County at the start of last month and remains out although the defender is now in the final stages of his rehab. Speaking after the 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers on New Year's Day, Whites boss Farke said: He's not in team training yet but I hope pretty quick after Hull he can return to team training if everything works out. I expect him to be back available after the FA Cup game, perhaps even for that. I'm not sure he'll make it for that but it's looking pretty good." Photo: George Wood
10. Sam Chambers (out)
Young Whites midfielder Chambers has been struggling with a knee injury of late, preventing him from training. Photo: Martin Rickett
11. Sam Byram (doubt)
Whites full-back Byram started the New Year's Day clash at home to Blackburn but was taken off at half-time. Farke revealed afterwards that Byram had been struggling a bit with a cold, admitting he looked a bit tired in the first half and was not at his best. It would be hoped that he would be fine to face Hull but there is nevertheless some element of doubt. Photo: Robbie Stephenson
12. Jayden Bogle (doubt)
First choice Leeds right back Bogle was forced off injured early into the second half of the New Year's Day clash against Blackburn, after which Farke revealed that the defender had suffered a dead leg. Farke, though, was optimistic that the injury was only minor. "With Jayden it's unlucky," said the Whites boss. "He got a dead leg and wasn't able to move. I hope it's not too serious, I hope to have them both available for the trip to Hull. Hopefully they can use the next 48 hours to recover." Photo: Danny Lawson