Leeds: Phil Hay relays Luke Ayling injury concern
Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has relayed a new injury concern for Jesse Marsch regarding Luke Ayling.
The Lowdown: Late substitution
Ayling, who has been key under Marsch since the American replaced Marcelo Bielsa, was forced off against Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
The 30-year-old, who Jermaine Jenas labelled as ‘quick’ and ‘agile’, scored the winner against Wolves prior to the international break but missed his first minutes under Marsch. The right-back called for treatment and was taken off for Pascal Struijk late on in a 1-1 draw at Elland Road.
The Latest: Hay’s post
Hay relayed comments from Marsch on Twitter on Saturday evening, with the Leeds boss addressing a mix up on the touchline.
Captain Liam Cooper was supposed to come off for Struijk, however, Ayling was the man to make way due to a ‘little (injury) situation’.
The Verdict: Fingers crossed
The Whites received a major double boost with Cooper and Kalvin Phillips making their first appearances since December, so it would be typical of Leeds’ season if they now have a new injury concern with Ayling.
He has already missed nine games this season with a knee problem, so hopefully, his withdrawal was only as a precaution, as Marsch suspects it will be ‘fine’.
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Ayling’s presence at right-back is needed in a crucial trip to Watford next weekend, especially with Stuart Dallas covering Junior Firpo at left-back.
In other news: Leeds may now lose another star alongside Raphinha and Phillips; he stunned a club employee.