Danny Cowley issues final rousing message ahead of Leeds United clash amid Huddersfield Town injury crisis

Huddersfield Town could be without six first team players on Saturday lunchtime
Huddersfield Town boss Danny Cowley. (Getty)Huddersfield Town boss Danny Cowley. (Getty)
Huddersfield Town boss Danny Cowley. (Getty)

Huddersfield Town boss Danny Cowley has issued a rousing message to his players and supporters ahead of Saturday lunchtimes Yorkshire derby.

The Terriers are looking for their first win in five Championship outings at the John Smith's stadium as Marcelo Bielsa's side make the short trip down the M62.

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Cowley said in his programme notes ahead of the clash: "We understand the significance of this game both in the context of our season and what it means to our supporters.

"It is crucial that our performance reflects what this game means to our people. It is an absolute honour to represent Huddersfield Town. We know what this football club means to you as people. We also understand what you want from your team.

"We may lack experience, even quality in this interim period, but I am absolutely determined to make sure we never come up short in work ethic or fight."

Cowley has a stack of injuries to contend with and in particular in defence with centre-back Tommy Elphick (knee) out for the season and with right-back Danny Simpson (hip) and left-back Jaden Brown (ankle) facing late fitness tests.

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Striker Fraizer Campbell (hip) is another doubt while Trevoh Chalobah sits out the second match of a three-game ban.

Cowley also admitted that Alex Pritchard has been suffering from fatigue on his own return from injury and the Terriers have been forced to recall several young loan players in Rarmani Edmonds-Green (Bromley), Demeaco Duhaney (Boston United), Scott High (Concord Rangers) and Ben Jackson (Stockport County).

He continued: "In terms of injuries to an already unbalanced squad this is the toughest I have known it. On a positive, it will create opportunity for our young players at the club.

"We have seen first-hand Lewis O'Brien and Jaden Brown's development before our very eyes. We have called back four of our academy players from loan spells and look forward to them coming back and being part of the group.

"While they are short of first team experience, we know they will bring enthusiasm, a desire to do well and a commitment to the cause."