Leeds United’s first home game of 2026 comes against the club’s arch rivals - but blows have left seven men out and five more doubtful for Sunday’s visit of Manchester United to Elland Road.
Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils will have had two more days than Leeds to prepare for Sunday’s Roses derby having played their Game Week 19 fixture at home to Wolves on Tuesday night.
Daniel Farke’s Whites, meanwhile, had to wait until New Year’s Day teatime for their clash against defending champions Liverpool at Anfield.
Despite the extra two days of rest, though, it’s looking like Amorim’s Red Devils will have more players missing than Leeds although both teams are set to have key men out.
Here, following Farke and Amorim’s pre-match press conferences, we run through the injury and team news from both camps.
7. DOUBT: Mason Mount
Another big one for the Red Devils, England-capped midfielder Mount missing the 1-1 draw against Wolves having felt an injury in Boxing Day’s 1-0 win at home to Newcastle United. Like Fernandes, he is one of five injured players that Amorim does not expect back although not yet ruled out. | Getty Images
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8. OUT: Sean Longstaff
Whites midfielder Longstaff also remains out as he works his way back from the calf injury suffered in the 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa towards the end of November. | Getty Images
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9. OUT: Joe Rodon
A more recent Leeds blow and a very big one, warrior defender Rodon suffering ankle ligament damage in the 1-1 draw at Sunderland and thought to be looking at around three weeks out. Definitely out says Farke. | Getty Images
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10. OUT: Ethan Ampadu
The most recent Leeds blow and another huge one, club captain Ampadu picking up a very questionable fifth booking of the season in the goalless draw at Liverpool and now serving a one-match ban. | Getty Images
11. DOUBT: Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United's England-capped 20-year-old midfielder Mainoo has been out with a calf injury and is not expected to return for the trip to Leeds although he too will be checked. | AFP via Getty Images
12. DOUBT: Matthijs de Ligt
A back injury has kept Manchester United's Dutch international centre-back de Ligt out of late and he is in the same boat as Mainoo and co, not expected to return although not definitely ruled out. | Getty Images