Burnley face a series of late fitness decisions ahead of their trip to Elland Road on Saturday, with former Leeds United loanee Connor Roberts among those nursing injuries.
Roberts, who had to leave the field during Wales’ 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Montenegro on Monday, was seen clutching his arm as he exited in the first half.
His injury adds to Burnley’s growing list of concerns, which already includes Maxime Esteve and Manuel Benson, both of whom sustained knocks against Blackburn Rovers before the international break.
The Clarets are now contending with an injury crisis that could see as many as 10 players sidelined for this crucial Championship clash. With Roberts and others facing late fitness tests, Burnley boss Scott Parker provided a detailed update on the situation during his Thursday press conference.
“Maxime is okay,” Parker said. “Benny (Benson) has got a bit of a big injury, so he won’t be around for a number of weeks, maybe months.
“It’s his calf, we’ve scanned him, and there’s a problem there. Connor just reported in today and we’ve assessed him. It doesn’t seem as bad as we initially thought. We’ll re-assess tomorrow, giving us every opportunity for Saturday. We’ll see over the next 24 hours how he comes out of it.”
Parker also touched on other key players, offering some hope for Burnley fans. “Enock [Agyei] has been back on the grass and training with us for the last three or four days, so he’s fit and well at this moment.
“[Hannes] Delcroix, the same, not training with us but on the grass. The longer-term injuries, like Nathan [Redmond], are on the grass and pushing forward but still a way away.
“[Mike Tresor] is fit and healthy. He spent the back end of last year injured and was in Belgium with a serious injury but has been back with us now, involved in some bits with the team.
“Josh [Cullen] is ready. Again, we need to work out whether this weekend comes a bit too quick. He’s trained with us for two or three days, we’ll make the call tomorrow.”
Despite these concerns, Burnley have had a steady start to the season and currently sit just one point and two places behind Leeds United.
Saturday’s encounter is set to be the toughest test yet for both sides, with Parker and Leeds manager Daniel Farke having proven track records of achieving promotion.
Both have led teams up to the Premier League twice, and their reputations were key factors in their respective appointments. Bookmakers have Leeds as title favourites, but Burnley are not far behind in the odds.
Parker is well aware of the challenge awaiting his side at Elland Road, particularly with Leeds showing strong form at home.
“It’s a big test for us, no doubt,” he said.
“We are playing a very good side who have been together for some time now. They’ve made slight changes along the way but have a settled team, and going to Elland Road brings a big challenge for us.
“What a challenge for us, we’re looking forward to it. Nothing but full admiration for the job Daniel has done. They missed out by a thread last year in a play-off final, which is a 50-50 game. It’s a settled team now and you can see that in the way they play.”
Leeds, however, have their own injury concerns. Winger Dan James will miss Saturday’s clash after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring issue.
A late decision will be made on Max Wober, who has been dealing with a knee injury, while striker Patrick Bamford has returned to training and could be in contention.
Both teams will be eager to secure three points as they push for promotion, with the match shaping up to be a fiercely contested affair at Elland Road.