Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper feature in detailed Jesse Marsch Leeds United team news for Wolves

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch says Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper are back in training and in contention for the Wolves game but Junior Firpo is out and Joe Gelhardt is a doubt.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The American began his press conference for Friday night's fixture with an injury update that bore mixed news for Whites.

"Liam and Kalvin are fully in training and eligible for this weekend," said Marsch.

"It's a positive momentum swing for us as a group."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Junior Firpo was stretchered off late on against Aston Villa a week ago and although he has injured his knee, it's not thought to be as serious as initially feared.

"They think [it's] not so bad - a lighter grade two.Three to five weeks from the date of injury," said Marsch, who revealed that striker Gelhardt, who got the winner against Norwich, has picked up a slight back issue and it has not yet been determined if he can play against Wolves. The youngster would have featured for the 23s earlier in the week, according to the head coach, had it not been for the problem, although Leeds think he'll be ready to face Wolves.

Rodrigo, meanwhile, was taken off in the second half at Elland Road on Sunday with tightness in his quad, which was heavily strapped. The Spanish international had one of his best games of the season, showing a vast improvement from the Aston Villa game three days prior. Marsch is hopeful he will have the forward available at Molineux.

"Rodrigo I think he will train today and we're hopeful everything is ready to go. It seems he has a little bit of an old injury and it's just about managing the symptoms," said Marsch.

OLD INJURY - Rodrigo should train today ahead of Leeds United's trip to Wolves but the club are managing the symptoms of an old injury according to Jesse Marsch. Pic: GettyOLD INJURY - Rodrigo should train today ahead of Leeds United's trip to Wolves but the club are managing the symptoms of an old injury according to Jesse Marsch. Pic: Getty
OLD INJURY - Rodrigo should train today ahead of Leeds United's trip to Wolves but the club are managing the symptoms of an old injury according to Jesse Marsch. Pic: Getty
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Leo Hjelde and Tyler Roberts are Marsch's long-term injury absentees. The pair have both had surgery for knee and hamstring problems respectively, although Leeds are hopeful that Hjelde could recover in time to play some part in the latter stages of the season.

"We think next week Leo might actually be back in training, which is good news for us, it's important to have another option," said Marsch.

Both Lewis Bate and Jamie Shackleton sustained knocks against Manchester United in the Under 23s game this week

Patrick Bamford made his first start since September in the match against Norwich City and lasted 45 minutes before a planned change. The striker has missed months of the season through a succession of injuries, including an ankle problem, hamstring damage sustained celebrating his goal against Brentford in December, a quad issue and, most recently, a torn plantar fascia. He should be fine for more minutes at Wolves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I think he was a little sore and physically the game was very demanding," said Marsch.

"So I think it was physically - and not just with the injury - but his entire body continuing to adjust to what the demands are going to be for these upcoming games, but he seems to come out of it in a good way and he should be ready for tomorrow."

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.