Leeds are set to welcome key players back from injury for the game against Blackburn a week on Saturday, with both Kemar Roofe and Pablo Hernandez impressing on their return to first-team training.
The two attackers are already looking sharp and fit according to midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
And they could be joined by defender Gaetano Berardi, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, with all three players in contention for the next Championship game against Blackburn on October 20.
Talking in the YEP, Phillips said, “They all look well. We did a tough session yesterday and they’re looking sharp and fit. It’s just about getting that match sharpness now.
“The calibre of the players that Pablo and Kemar are, that’s going to strengthen any squad. With them coming back after the international break, and with tough games coming up, we’ve got a really good chance of hitting the ground running and getting some good results.
“Touch wood, there are no more injuries but if there are then we’ve got players to step in and do a job. It goes to show how good a squad we’ve got, and the depth of it.”
Leeds fans are thrilled with the news that their star attackers will be back for Blackburn and flocked onto Twitter to celebrate:
Here are the best reactions to the news from Leeds fans:
Have to feel for Blackburn
— PD (@parmadiggyd) October 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/SupremeJansson/status/1050368990235770880
https://twitter.com/Murray__87/status/1050369917336383489
I'd like to see alioski at left back played well when put their last time out
— Nigel duffy (@Nigelduffy8) October 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/kevincressey/status/1050369580877668353
https://twitter.com/DavidGoldstone1/status/1050369569993437185
RIP Blackburn… hopefully
— Joe Atherton (@joetmatherton) October 11, 2018
OPINION
This is great news for Leeds fans, who should get a very clear idea about the fitness of Roofe, Hernandez and Berardi tomorrow after the Under-23s game at Thorp Arch. Bielsa has already said that he likes to bring players back to full match fitness by playing them in the Under-23s, so Leeds fans will be glued to the line-up news coming tomorrow. It sounds like Roofe and Hernandez will definitely be back though, with Phillips’ positive comments about them in training. They’re the key players. Tyler Roberts has held the fort admirably while they’ve been away but they’ve been missed. Thankfully any damage was limited with a string of decent results that only saw Leeds deposed at the top of the Championship last weekend. When they’re firing on all cylinders again they’ll be hoping to push Sheffield United and West Brom back down below them. Three points against Blackburn would be a good start.