Leeds United will be looking to arrest their recent dip in form when they host Nottingham Forest in next week’s Monday Night Football. The Whites’ winless run was extended to three matches at the weekend as they suffered a disappointing 5-2 defeat at Brentford.
Opponents Forest, meanwhile, are also in a mini slump in form of their own after surrendering a two-goal lead at home to Bournemouth on Saturday to lose 3-2. Forest sit second from bottom having won just one of their opening six games.
Ahead of the game next week, here is an early look at their injury news thanks to our sister site Nottinghamshire Live.
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Orel Mangala – hamstring
What we know: The midfielder was forced off in the 1-1 draw at Everton with 55 minutes gone, after receiving treatment on the pitch. Although initially hoped it was down to “fatigue”, it then became clear a spell on the sidelines would be required.
What has been said: “It’s not serious, it is a hamstring injury,” Cooper said, ahead of the game at the Etihad Stadium. “It's still a bit inconclusive of when he will come back, but it is more days and weeks, rather than any longer than that.
“We have to be a little bit careful, with it being a hamstring, but I saw him out on the grass running - with the physios, not with us. That is a step forward in his recovery.
“We will see where we’re at at the end of the week with it. The sooner he can be back available, the better for us.”
Moussa Niakhate – hamstring
What we know: On his second appearance for the club, the defender had to come off late on in the 1-0 win over West Ham United at the City Ground. A subsequent scan showed the injury to be more serious than was first hoped.
What has been said: “It is going to be a few months. He is at the early stages of that,” Cooper said, in the build-up to the clash against Spurs.
“He has been really positive. It’s a difficult moment for him, coming to a new team and new country, starting the season, we were really happy with him after the first couple of games and what he’d done in pre-season, so it was a real kick in the teeth for him to pick up the injury that he has.
“We were all shocked when the scan came back. It is something we are all dealing with; it’s part and parcel of it, unfortunately. He and us will give him the best opportunity to recover as quickly and as best he can.”
Omar Richards – leg
What we know: The summer signing is yet to make his debut in the Garibaldi, after making the move from Bayern Munich. He has been out of action since pre-season.
What has been said: Prior to the Carabao Cup tie at Grimsby Town, Cooper said: “Omar is on course. He’s probably still a month away, but he’s making good progress and we’re happy with how he’s doing.”
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