'I can't...' - Journalist reacts to 'absolutely brutal' Leeds injuries ahead of Villa

Speaking ahead of the visit to Aston Villa, journalist David Anderson has described Leeds United’s injury woes as ‘absolutely brutal’.

The Whites have failed to replicate last season’s form in the Premier League, currently sitting 15th in the table and not even sitting clear of relegation just yet.

Injuries have undoubtedly played their part in Leeds’ struggles, however, with endless key men missing at important times, whether it be Luke Ayling, Kalvin Phillips or Patrick Bamford, to name a few.

It is vital that Marcelo Bielsa has a full-strength squad to call again in the near future, in order for the Whites to get back to their best at the crunch time of the campaign.

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Anderson bemoaned the situation:

“I can’t remember [a situation like this before]. It was eight injured players before West Ham. It’s been absolutely brutal.”

Phillips and Bamford alone have missed a combined 28 games.

While Bielsa and his players shouldn’t be blameless for some poor results, there is no doubt that they have been hampered by injuries from August onwards.

Only Illan Meslier and Stuart Dallas have started all 21 league games this term, while Phillips and Bamford have started just 17 between them, highlighting the issue running right through the spine of the team.

For that reason, it is unfair to judge Leeds too much in recent months, with a proper assessment making more sense between now and May, as the injuries begin to ease more.

Luckily, Adam Forshaw is expected back for the clash with Steven Gerrard’s side, while Junior Firpo and Phillips have both been pictured in training, so may not be too far away from action now.

In other news, a key Patrick Bamford injury update has emerged for Leeds. Read more here.

Sou