Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch confirmed to talkSPORT on Tuesday that Junior Firpo was expected to make a return to training.
The Lowdown: Firpo’s absence
The American, who told talkSPORT that he inherited a Whites squad which had been ‘over-trained’, lost Firpo to a serious knee injury in just his second game in charge.
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The left-back hasn’t been seen since the 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa, with Leeds picking up 10 points from a possible 12 during that time.
Stuart Dallas has filled in for Firpo during those four matches, but it looks as if the summer signing could be in line for a return when Leeds travel to Crystal Palace on April 25.
The Latest: Marsch’s comments on Firpo
Speaking live on talkSPORT, Marsch was quizzed about the injury issues at the club.
He confirmed on air that Firpo was ‘likely to be in training’ on Tuesday and took the blame for Patrick Bamford’s setback against Wolves last month.
The Verdict: Good news for Leeds
Leo Hjelde also returned to the squad against Watford last time out, so Firpo’s availability for the run-in will bolster Marsch’s defensive options even further, which can only be viewed as yet more good news for the manager.
The 25-year-old hasn’t had the best of debut seasons at Elland Road, missing 13 Premier League games throughout the season and receiving more yellow cards than any other Leeds player.
However, he has shown his quality in stages during his first year in England, posting the squad’s joint-third best tackling average, so hopefully he can remain fully fit under Marsch going into the American’s first full season in charge at Elland Road.
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