Category Archives: Leeds United

Leeds Handed Huge Boost With Crucial Star Available For Crunch Games – Analysis

Leeds have been handed a significant boost in their promotion chase with the news Kemar Roofe could be fit before the end of the season.

The 14-goal striker suffered an injury in the match against Swansea City last week, rupturing one of the ligaments in his legs.

It seemed as though the striker could miss the rest of the season, although Leeds were always optimistic that he could return before the campaign was out.

And Roofe has now confirmed that he is hopeful of playing in the last six or seven games of the season.

Speaking to Radio X on Thursday morning, the striker said: ‘I suffered damage to my lateral ligament and I will be out for six to eight weeks.

When asked if he’d play again this season, Roofe added, ‘Yes, I will be back for the final six or seven games, maybe a bit sooner.

‘Every game is like a final now, each three points is massive.’

Analysis

It was always going to be a lot to ask Patrick Bamford to play every game between now and the end of the season, especially given his own record with injuries this campaign. He has suffered two ligament issues himself.

He is also not entirely fit after coming straight back into the first-team rather than spending any time with the Under 23s.

Now he will know that Roofe will be able to take some of the pressure off him, presumably starting with the game against Sheffield Wednesday on April 13.

That said, Leeds need to get to that point still in the promotion race. They face crucial clashes against Bolton on Saturday and then an away trip to QPR over the next week. They still have a game in-hand over their closest promotion rivals and can go back top with a win in both games.

Luciano Becchio to join Leeds United in next few days – reports

Leeds United could be on the cusp of bringing Luciano Becchio back to Elland Road, according to reports on social media.

A fan uploaded an image with Becchio in Leeds train station, claiming that the Argentine striker is on the cusp of signing for the Whites in the next few days.

Becchio has been without a club since leaving Belgrano, a side in his native Argentina, last month.

Would it work?

Leeds have started playing a 4-4-2 formation since the appointment of Steve Evans as head coach last week.

However, with both Chris Wood and Mirco Antenucci on the pitch, the Elland Road side do not have a back-up striker for the bench.

This is especially the case given Lee Erwin is out on loan.

Wood is a classic style target man, something Leeds definitely do not have in reserve.

Becchio would be an ideal option for that role. However, his fitness is up for debate, as he has not played much football since joining Rotherham on loan last season.

Becchio is, however, a better instinctive finisher than Wood, who has struggled to match good build-up play with clinical strikes in front of goal.

Rumour rater

It seems preposterous at first, why would a fan have the scoop? However, there is no real reason for Becchio to be in Leeds train station on any given Sunday.

Most tellingly, Becchio is clutching a copy of today’s The Sun, as also confirmed on Twitter.

Interestingly, while Massimo Cellino has previously denied an interest in bringing Becchio back, he has backed his coaches this season in the market, and Becchio is clearly a player Evans rates – having signed him at Rotherham.

However, another fan has said that Becchio has said he is just visiting Leeds, so it’s hard to tell what the truth of the situation is.

Rumour rating: 3/5

Video: Leeds United vs. Rotherham, fan review of the season

The season may be over, but prior to Leeds United’s last game of the campaign against Rotherham Town, spoughts.co.uk reporter Amitai Winehouse went down to Elland Road to ask fans how they felt about the season.

Things have changed at the football club since, with head coach Neil Redfearn being replaced by former Wigan Athletic manager Uwe Rosler. However, if anything, the clear opposition to Massimo Cellino that can be heard in this video is as fervent as it was at the time.

The game between Leeds and Rotherham ultimately finished 0-0, with neither side able to score a goal. Rotherham’s safety in the Championship had been confirmed prior to the game, despite a three point deduction, meaning that it was something of a dead rubber for both sides.

It also turned out to be Redfearn’s last game in charge of the first team. Unsurprisingly, given that he saved Leeds’s Championship status, Redfearn was highly praised in our conversations with fans.