Jesse Marsch faces the media on Friday afternoon for his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash against Nottingham Forest. The Leeds United head coach will take questions on a number of topics from television, radio, print and online journalists at Thorp Arch.
Here’s a look at some of the main topics Marsch may find himself talking about as he prepares his side for this weekend’s trip to the City Ground.
Rodrigo blow
Plenty has happened since Marsch last spoke to the media and journalists will have a host of subjects lined up for the head coach to speak about. Before a question is asked, though, he will likely give an update on Rodrigo, who will miss the next two months of Premier League football with an ankle injury.
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Rodrigo underwent surgery earlier this week and the club are facing up to the reality that they will be without their top scorer during what seems to be a crucial run of games.
Patrick Bamford’s fitness gives Marsch an attacking option, as does the record breaking addition of Georginio Rutter, but Rodrigo’s absence will be felt, of that there is no doubt. Whoever comes into the starting XI has big shoes to fill and Marsch might provide a selection hint.
Other injuries
The head coach revealed on Saturday that Liam Cooper and Crysencio Summerville were due to restart training on Sunday after overcoming their respective issues. He’ll provide the latest on their fitness while also speaking about Tyler Adams and Pascal Struijk who missed the win over Accrington Stanley with small knocks.
Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas are edging themselves back to full fitness, too, and Marsch may well provide an update there.
Incomings
Leeds were busy in the final days of the window and they managed to secure the signatures of two players. Weston McKennie arrived on loan from Juventus and he’s someone Marsch is expected to speak about extensively given his status and importance to the side.
Fans stand to hear of Marsch’s vision for the American and what’s expected of him over the second half of the season. Diogo Monteiro also arrived at Elland Road and the coach should be asked about where the young defender fits into his plans.
Harrison staying put
Sky Sports reported on Thursday that Jack Harrison was half way through a medical at Leicester City before Leeds called him back with the offer of an improved contract. Marsch will be asked about what happened on deadline day with Harrison and whether the reports are correct.
He’ll also be expected to speak about Harrison’s future at the club and the new contract he is expected to sign. Diego Llorente left the club on deadline day, too, and his name will crop up, no doubt.
Debuts?
There’s the small matter of a Premier League match to speak about and after seeing Rutter make his Whites bow on Saturday at the Wham Stadium, fans will be eager to know what chance he has of starting at the City Ground. He caught the eye in Lancashire and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him thrown straight in this weekend, particularly with Rodrigo’s spot up for grabs.
McKennie will be striving for spot, too, and while journalists won’t be expecting a rundown of the starting XI, they may get a clear indication of whether he’ll be involved or not.
Forest
One look at the Premier League table is enough to know how important this weekend’s game could be for the Whites. Steve Cooper’s side currently sit in 13th, three points ahead Leeds having picked up eight points from their last four games.
They haven’t lost at home in the league since September 16 and with an army of January signings at the manager’s disposal, they’ll be feeling confident that they can get one over a rival for survival this weekend. Leeds have every right to go to the City Ground with belief after a run of two or three promising performances, but Marsch will know his side will be tested this weekend.
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