Leeds announced on Thursday evening that right back Spence had returned to parent club Tottenham Hotspur upon the Whites exercising the recall option on the season-long loan deal to send the 23-year-old back. Spence would have been an obvious option to start Sunday’s third round FA Cup clash at Peterborough with injuries limiting United’s full-back options.
Sam Byram suffered a hamstring injury midway through the first half of the 1-0 victory at home to Birmingham City on New Year’s Day and Whites boss Daniel Farke revealed at Friday’s pre-Peterborough press conference that Byram was still out.
At a time when first choice keeper Illan Meslier remains suspended, the Leeds boss also revealed that back-up keeper Karl Darlow was facing around seven weeks out with a dislocated thumb and that Pascal Struijk (groin) and Joe Gelhardt (glute) were also out in addition to captain Liam Cooper a doubt with a muscle issue.
But news then emerged that full-back options Luke Ayling and Jamie Shackleton had both returned to training this week upon recovering from knee problems and a glute injury respectively. Longer-term absentee Stuart Dallas remains out as he recovers from a femoral fracture meaning six Whites players are out with another doubtful in Cooper (muscle). But Ayling and Shackleton are now back in the mix and this is the Leeds XI that we think will start Sunday’s 2pm kick-off at Peterborough.
1. GK: Kristoffer Klaesson
An automatic pick with Meslier banned and Darlow injured. Photo: George Wood
2. RB: Archie Gray
Luke Ayling and Jamie Shackleton are now back in the mix but the neither has featured for several weeks and places on the bench might subsequently be more likely with Gray again starting at right back. Photo: George Wood
3. CB: Joe Rodon
Rodon appeals as a likely contender for a rest but not if Cooper fails to make it at a time when Pascal Struijk is already out. A first change, in for Cooper although expect Cooper to start if fit. Photo: George Wood
4. CB: Charlie Cresswell
Sunday's contest represents an obvious opportunity for the England under-21 international centre-back and it would be a big surprise if he didn't start. The bigger question mark now could be who partners him. Photo: George Wood
5. LB: Junior Firpo
Another obvious one and surely an ideal chance to bag a first start since returning from injury after three outings from the bench. Youngster Leo Hjelde is another option. A second change, in for the injured Byram. Photo: George Wood
6. CM: Ilia Gruev
Ever-present starter Ethan Ampadu is literally top of the list for players due a rest given the amount of minutes he has played and Amapdu for Gruev is an obvious swap. A third change. Photo: Nick Potts