Leeds United travel to Burnley with injury dilemmas impacting Daniel Farke’s attack, but the Clarets are in a similar position.
United make their way to Lancashire without much depth in the final third. Their two main right-winger options have been recovering from injuries over the international break.
Willy Gnonto was confirmed to have undergone minor hernia surgery that rules him out. Dan James miraculously could be fit enough for the bench, but attacking options are sparse. Thankfully, Burnley may have a similar issue up front.
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Burnley manager Scott Parker reveals latest injury news with Lyle Foster a major doubt
Scott Parker has problems in his attack too. Zeki Amdouni remains a long-term absentee after an ACL injury, while starting striker Lyle Foster is a fresh concern.
Lyle Foster is a fresh injury doubt for Burnley v Leeds United. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)
The 25-year-old travelled out for international duty with South Africa, but was withdrawn due to a dead leg. Burnley’s official site provided this update following Parker’s press conference:
“Lyle Foster will face a late fitness test after sustaining a dead leg on international duty, but Connor Roberts will miss out again, having suffered a setback in his recovery from injury. Parker confirmed Roberts will be sidelined for a ‘couple of months’.”
Parker hopes to have the striker available for this squad, with the injury said to be better than the Clarets thought. However, he was unwilling to commit on his presence for this game on Saturday.
Leeds United could get real pre-match boost with Burnley injury concern
Burnley and Leeds sit on seven goals apiece going into this game. So, clear room for improvement, and neither side can really afford to not be at full strength up front for most of the season.
Foster has one goal and an assist to his name, which is already three behind the Clarets leading scorer Jaidon Anthony (four).
Scott Parker has an attacking dilemma this weekend after confirming Burnley’s injury news. (REUTERS/David Klein)
That said, he’s second in their squad for xG, second for shots per 90, second for successful dribbles, and has started every match in the Premier League so far.
It’s clear Foster is Parker’s undisputed first choice. The injury-prone Armando Broja and ill-fitting Zian Flemming are fighting over a backup role in the meantime.
Should he not be fit enough to start, it prompts a significant re-think for Burnley’s game plan, even if Anthony’s the ‘danger man’.
As a result, it could play into Leeds’ hands if their mainstay up front isn’t ready to start. Leeds should be looking to win this game regardless, but a weaker Burnley front line ought to instil more confidence.
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