Leeds United are just five days away from a return to Championship action.
After weeks of hard work, intense preparation and pre-season matches, the Whites will kick-off the 2019/20 season at Ashton Gate on Sunday.
As always with United, pre-season hasn’t been without its problems, with several players picking up niggling injuries along the way.
Last season, Marcelo Bielsa's side were hampered by injuries, which forced the Argentine to depend on the Under-23s to bulk out his squad.
Having spent the summer adding depth to the squad, that shouldn’t happen this time around, although knowing Leeds’ luck, anything could happen.
Here’s a full account of those in the Whites’ treatment room, with the season opener looming large.
Luke Ayling
After missing the whole of pre-season, Leeds confirmed Ayling has undergone ankle surgery that will see him absent for the start of the Championship season.
The right-back suffered from several injury problems last term, which saw him miss seven matches between November and December.
Despite being the undisputed first-choice last season, Stuart Dallas’ recent performances mean the 27-year-old could have a fight on his hands to get back into the side.
Although Leeds have confirmed Ayling’s surgery, there is no timeframe on his return, at this point. However, it is not believed to be long-term, with Ayling set to miss the first few matches. An update is expected when Bielsa gives his pre-Bristol City press conference on Friday.
Tyler Roberts
The young attacker hasn’t featured since the back end of last season and missed Wales’ EURO 2020 qualifiers in June after having fluid drained from his knee at the end of May.
Whilst it’s not believed to be a long-term injury, the Welshman could be struggling to be a part of the travelling squad on August 4, having failed to feature in any pre-season matches.
Having played a key role in the side last season, Roberts will be keen to build on his momentum as soon as possible.
Whilst we’re not expecting him to play a role against Bristol City, again, we should have an update from Bielsa’s pre-match press conference on Friday.
Kemar Roofe
The wait on Roofe’s injury concern is finally over after Leeds confirmed the striker would be out for four weeks after injuring his ankle against West Sydney Wanderers.
The 26-year-old limped out of the match before the hour mark, after picking up an innocuous-looking injury.
That means Roofe will Leeds’ opening three Championship fixtures, as well as the first-round Carabao Cup tie against Salford City.
Brentford’s visit to Elland Road on August 21 could be an ideal return date or, if not, away to Stoke City three days later.
Bailey Peacock-Farrell
Despite starting last season as the club’s number one ‘keeper, Peacock-Farrell is unlikely to be between the sticks at Ashton Gate.
Kiko Casilla still seems to be the preferred choice, before the 22-year-old picked up an unspecified injury.
There’s been no word from the club on his fitness, although his knock isn’t thought to be serious.
He may even make the bench at Ashton Gate, but it would be a real surprise to see his name in the starting XI next week.
Jamie Shackleton
Another player we've not seen too much of during pre-season, with the commentary team during the Cagliari match suggestion that the 19-year-old is nursing a thigh problem.
We've heard nothing official from the club, so expect an update from Bielsa ahead of the Bristol City match.
Gaetano Berardi – suspension
That reckless red card in the play-offs has cost Berardi a starting spot at Ashton Gate, with Ben White likely to start alongside Liam Cooper, bar any further arrivals.
It’s just a one-match ban for the Swiss defender, after picking up two yellow cards in the Derby County defeat.
It should be said that Victor Orta refused to rule out replacing Pontus Jansson when speaking to LeedsLive, which could mean a new signing could line up in the heart of the defence.
However, with only a week to go until the first fixture, it's likely to be Ben White and Liam Cooper at centre-back.
