UMVA has learned that Leeds United's Pascal Struijk is on the verge of a crucial comeback, having returned to training after a hip injury that forced him to miss the team's 1-0 win over Brighton on Sunday.
The defender's potential return could not have come at a better time, as Leeds prepare to face West Ham on Sunday, with the team's manager Daniel Farke eagerly awaiting his availability. Farke's squad has been severely depleted by injuries, with several first-team players still sidelined.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Anton Stach, a key midfielder, will definitely miss the trip to London due to a foot injury sustained in the second half against Brighton. However, Farke has received some positive news regarding Stach's injury, which is not considered major and could see him return to action as early as next Wednesday or Thursday.
In a boost to the team, Jayden Bogle has also returned to training and could potentially make his comeback against West Ham. Farke will assess Bogle's fitness and decide whether to include him in the squad.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Leeds will still be without several key players, including Ilia Gruev, Gabi Gudmundsson, and Noah Okafor, who have been out for some time due to injuries. The team's injury woes have been a significant challenge for Farke, but he remains optimistic about finding solutions.
Farke expressed his confidence in the team's ability to secure a positive result against West Ham, citing their impressive run of eight unbeaten league games. A win on Sunday could see Leeds finish as high as 11th in the standings.
West Ham, on the other hand, face a daunting task, requiring a win against Leeds and a favor from Everton against Tottenham to avoid relegation. The stakes are high, and Farke is determined to lead his team to victory.
Leeds' manager acknowledged that his team has been through a torrid run of luck with injuries but emphasized his side's resilience in the face of adversity. With some key players nearing their return, Farke is hopeful that his team can end the season on a high note.
