Leeds United are no strangers to injuries which can knock momentum out of a good run. The club's centre-back trio of Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente can attest to that, with Llorente - who has played 82 minutes so far this season due to a string of injuries - currently the most available.
However, despite their own injury concerns, this weekend's opponents Burnley could be without two of their own key men, who also play in similar positions.
Dwight McNeil and Robbie Brady were both withdrawn looking rather shaken in the 2-1 victory over Wolves last night, in what will be of some concern to Sean Dyche.
Brady and McNeil are two of Burnley's most influential figures. In the Clarets' rigid 4-4-2, they occupy the wide midfield berths, tracking back to help defend, often doubling as auxiliary full-backs, but also striding forward to provide crosses for the sizeable presence of Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes and at times Jay Rodriguez in opposition penalty areas.
To have lost both players in one fell swoop will be greatly displeasing to Dyche whose approach relies on his hard-working wide-men.
With a collective style which is more rudimentary than most, McNeil stands out considerably. In 13 Premier League appearances this season, the 21-year-old has completed 29 of his 42 dribbles as per WhoScored.com.
The Burnley player with the next-most successful dribbles is ex-Leeds full-back Charlie Taylor with nine. Much of their progressive ball-carrying relies on McNeil's dynamism; he is the ace in Dyche's pack of sixes and sevens.
Similarly, only Ashley Westwood has created more chances than McNeil - if he is to be sidelined, he will be a huge loss.
It is uncharted territory for Dyche if McNeil finds himself laid up on the treatment table. Since his breakthrough, McNeil has never missed a Burnley game in the Premier League - that's a 70-game stretch dating back to Boxing Day two years ago.
Brady has been absent on a more regular basis, but has still been the Clarets' main right-winger this season. Erik Pieters - a full-back - replaced Brady in the 69th minute against Wolves, as there were no fit like-for-like alternatives on the bench.
Meanwhile Josh Benson, who gave a penalty away immediately after coming on for McNeil, also appeared a little green around the gills.
A depleted Burnley side gives Sean Dyche some thinking to do, because they will have their work cut out at Elland Road.
It only stands to benefit Leeds United if both, or even just one of McNeil and Brady are sidelined, and while it is hoped their respective injuries are not severe, missing the trip to Elland Road could certainly be favourable.
