Daniel Farke has had to contend with more than his fair share of injuries already this season as Leeds United fight for survival in the Premier League this season.
The Leeds manager would have probably taken eight points from Leeds’ first seven games, a run that includes Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Bournemouth. Two wins, two draws, three defeats so far.
But Farke has seen both Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka both miss a couple of matches. The last few weeks have seen Farke use Brenden Aaronson on the right wing, with both Willy Gnonto and Dan James injured.
James is set to be missing until after the November break, while Karl Darlow has started the last four games with Lucas Perri injured. On Tuesday night, another long-term injury absentee made his return.
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Scott Gardner’s side were in action against Fleetwood on Tuesday night in the EFL Trophy, a tough test against one of League Two’s biggest sides. Ultimately, and perhaps inevitably, Leeds were beaten 4-0.
But there was one positive, and that was the return of Sam Chambers. The Scotland youth international had been missing after featuring against Man United and SC Verl during Farke’s pre-season campaign.
Chambers, who also had to deal with glandular fever during the latter stages of last season, played in the win over Verl. But ahead of the Paderborn friendly, the Athletic said he missed out due to a minor injury.
Well, winger Chambers has been missing since. It is unclear if that is the injury that has ruled him out, but Leeds’ website confirmed that Chambers, who came on after 60 minutes, returned after an injury lay-off.
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Injury may have hampered Sam Chambers’ chances of a loan
There was never going to be a chance that Chambers would make a dent on the first team. Described as “brilliant” by Ben Parker, Chambers made his first-team debut last season, even starting against Millwall.
He came on against Plymouth in a 3-0 home win, making his debut alongside Charlie Crew and Josuha Guilavogui. He then started on the right in a 2-0 FA Cup loss to Millwall, where he could have scored.
But he’s not been seen since the friendly against Verl and the Germany training camp. Three months later, Chambers is back, but the injury clearly prevented the Scottish winger from going on loan in the summer.