Injury expert Ben Dinnery has admitted it ‘would be a big surprise’ if Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams wasn’t pushing for a start, Football Insider report.
The Lowdown: Accrington absence
Adams has been a regular under Jesse Marsch since joining in the summer, making 18 appearances in all competitions. The 23-year-old did miss out against Accrington Stanley last weekend, though, after he picked up an injury prior to the trip to the League One side.
The USA international has since been joined at Elland Road by close friend and fellow countryman Weston McKennie, and Dinnery is expecting a return to action for the former on Sunday.
The Latest: Dinnery’s comments
Dinnery, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Adams ahead of this weekend’s trip to Nottingham Forest. He is expecting the player to be back in contention for a starting spot after a ‘minor knock’ and said it ‘would be a big surprise’ if he didn’t.
“I fully expect Tyler Adams to be back in contention for Leeds United this weekend for their trip to the City Ground.
“His absence last week can be given context.
“It was an away trip to Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup and Leeds had plenty of availability in that midfield, with some players needing minutes.
“So Jesse Marsch decided to keep Adams out of the firing line to help him recover from what turned out to be a minor knock.
“There’s nothing to suggest that it is going to be a long-term issue for the American so it would be a big surprise if he’s not pushing for a spot in the starting lineup on Sunday."
The Verdict: Fingers crossed
Adams has been one of the club’s best-performing players this season, as per WhoScored, making more tackles and passes per game than any other Whites player, while also ranking highly in key passes per 90 and pass success percentage. Therefore, his availability could be pivotal on Sunday in what is a crucial game for both clubs towards the bottom of the table.
It will be interesting to see who Jesse Marsch goes with in midfield and in attack after an injury blow to Rodrigo, but hopefully, Adams will be back in the starting lineup alongside Marc Roca, with McKennie also possibly in line for a debut.