Leeds United boss Javi Gracia has admitted injuries to several key players have left him with “big problems” before Saturday’s Premier League game against league leaders Arsenal.
The Whites are all set to return to Premier League action this weekend after a resounding 4-2 victory over Wolves prior to the international break.
Gracia’s side face a daunting trip to north London to face league champions Arsenal.
As if the task of facing the rampant Gunners wasn’t tough enough, the Whites will be without the services of a host of key players, including the likes of Tyler Adams, Wilfried Gnonto, and Max Wober.
Adams, for one, has been an essential player for both Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia
since his arrival in the summer, and has started every game for Leeds when he has been available, making 26 apperances in all competitions.
However, the 24-year-old will be sidelined for an extended period after he required surgery on a hamstring injury sustained earlier this month.
Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s game, Gracia has admitted he has a “big problem” to solve on his hands ahead of a busy schedule, and an intense relegation battle to look forward to.
Gracia said: “This break we had big problems. We lost important players for the next games. It’s a big problem for us.
“Tyler, we’ll see. After the surgery we’ll see if he can play any games this season. Gnonto and Wober have different injuries, but they need time to recover. They are out this weekend.”
Gracia outlined the importance of the trio of absentees, and shed further light on the injury situation.
Gracia added: “I’m sorry but I cannot clarify because I don’t know. What I know is they are out for this game and I think it will be more time.
“I don’t know if one week more, two weeks more, I cannot tell you. It depends on the evolution.
“They are important players and we don’t have a big squad. I am positive. I am optimistic and I believe in my squad.”
Leeds will also be without winter arrival Maximilian Wober, who sustained an injury while on international duty with Austria.
Wober has performed admirably since joining the Leeds backline, but Gracia insists that he was impressed with Liam Cooper’s display for Scotland against Spain this week, and the Leeds skipper will be ready to play against Arsenal on Saturday if he’s needed.
“Liam is ready,” the Spaniard added. “I saw the (Scotland) game. I suffered a little, but I enjoyed it because I could see how important it was for him. We need all of our players because of the busy schedule.”
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