Leeds United have been dealt another injury blow as Jamie Shackleton and Jaidon Anthony have picked up problems ahead of the clash with Bristol City.
The Whites claimed a 1-0 win over QPR at Elland Road on Wednesday (4 October) to bounce back from defeat to Southampton, but manager Daniel Farke shared some bad news after the game.
When asked why utility man Shackleton wasn’t in the squad and why summer signing Anthony was brought off after 65 minutes despite a good display, the boss revealed injury was behind both decisions.
Sadly, he [Shackleton] got a little knock on his shoulder yesterday in training,” Farke said, as quoted by Leeds-Live.
“He had some problems with the shoulder before, it was too painful and too sore in order to be involved tonight, and that was the reason he was not with us today.
“He [Anthony] rolled his ankle also a little bit and felt some pain in the second half and didn’t want to risk too much,” he added. “That was the reason I substituted him after 60 or 65 minutes.
With Wilfried Gnonto already out injured for the foreseeable future in attack and Patrick Bamford potentially facing a ban for his dive in the win over QPR, Anthony missing the game could be a real blow.
Since arriving from Bournemouth in the final minutes of deadline day, the winger has impressed with substitute appearances and was finally rewarded for his good form with a start.
He played well too but ultimately the injury could see him lose his place in the side, which would be a real shame considering the qualities that he brings to the side.
As for Shackleton, he may not be the best individual player on paper but Farke has clearly taken a liking to him and he has started the majority of games this season in a number of positions.
Missing that versatility from the match-day squad is never a good thing and with his form so far it will be a blow if we don’t have him to call upon, even if it is from the bench.
