Leeds United: New signing Roberts' debut delayed by training-ground injury

The 19-year-old moved to Elland Road in a £2.5m deal from West Bromwich Albion shortly before the closure of the January transfer window.

United hoped Roberts could pep up an attack that has been misfiring in recent weeks, just seven goals having been scored in eight league and Cup games since December 30.

Now, though, the Elland Road club will have to be patient after their new striker sustained a small crack in his shin.

Head coach Paul Heckingbottom said: “This is disappointing news for all concerned, especially for Tyler. However, with the help of the experienced medical team at Thorp Arch, he will come back stronger than ever.

“We would love to have Tyler involved as soon as possible. But, particularly with our younger players, the club has a duty of care to ensure we don’t rush these situations because we expect Tyler to be an important player for us for years to come.”

No timescale has been put on Roberts’ return, with further assessment planned in the coming days.

But he seems certain to miss out on the current punishing run of games, Bristol City’s visit on Sunday being the second of five consecutive games in which Heckingbottom’s men will take on teams sitting above them in the table.