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Marsch delivers four huge injury lifts for Leeds – while Junior Firpo lay-off is revealed

Kalvin Phillips, Leeds midfielder during Premier League clash at Elland Road

Leeds manager Jesse Marsch says Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper are both in contention to return to action on Friday night at Wolves.

The pair have been absent since both sustaining hamstring injuries against Brentford on December 5. During their time on the sidelines, Leeds have failed to pull clear of relegation trouble, with Marcelo Bielsa paying the price with his job.

However, Sunday’s last-gasp win over Norwich has lifted morale going into the trip to Molineux.

And with Cooper and Phillips both in contention to return, Marsch has welcomed the news.

“It’s a big boost for them personally, but the presence they have in our team,” Marsch said. “Big positive momentum swing for our group. Both quality players, great personalities. Make us stronger and stronger. We’ll see what the plan will be for their minutes, but just having them in training is big.”

The good news keeps on coming for Leeds too with Rodrigo also likely to be fit.

He was subbed during the win over the Canaries on Sunday with a muscular problem. However, the Spanish star – recently added to Leeds leadership group – is expected to be fit.

“Rodrigo will train today and hopeful everything will be ready to go,” Marsch said. “The scan was for an old injury, we’re managing those symptoms. He’s hopeful of playing.”

Patrick Bamford also came off early, having been withdrawn at half-time on Sunday. He was making his first start since September 17 at Newcastle.

The American continues to take it easy with the player, who suffered a few knocks and bruises upon his return.

However, Marsch also expects him to travel.

Junior Firpo lay-off confirmed

“Bamford is sore. It was physically demanding for him. His entire body is adjusting to the demands for the upcoming games. He’ll be ready for tomorrow.”

Asked if Kalvin Phillips will play at Molineux, Marsch added: “Same as Patrick. We will make a plan and stick to the plan. I am very disciplined when it comes to managing the players physically. Need a fully-fit and healthy team.”

One man who faces a spell on the sidelines, however is Junior Firpo.

He was stretchered off in last Thursday’s defeat to Aston Villa with a knee injury.

Now Marsch says he expects him to be missing for up to five weeks.

Race for Kalvin Phillips will be hotly contested

Race for Kalvin Phillips will be hotly contested

Kalvin Phillips is going to be a very sought-after man in the summer.

“Junior has an MCL,” he added. They think it’s not so bad, a lighter grade two issue. It’ll be three to five weeks from date of injury.

“Joe Gelhardt has back issue, he was not in the under-23s (on Tuesday night). We think he will be ready, but not certain. [Lewis] Bate and [Jamie] Shackleton injuries in that match. Leo [Hjelde] doing quite well. He hopes to return to training next week.”

Marsch has praise for Wolves

Marsch expects a tough game against Wolves on Friday with Bruno Lage earning wholesome praise from the Leeds boss.

“They are a fantastic team with intelligent players. Very well coached. I always knew Bruno Lage is a good coach. I was very impressed when I watched them.

“They defend well, good rotations. There is clarity in how they want to play. Big challenge for us.

“Will test us in many ways against the ball with pressing, how we control them in the defensive third. Haven’t given away one goal in transition all season and that’s how we want to score. Try to execute a simple match plan. Succinct in all phases of the game.

“Defending well against them and not going behind will be important.”

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