Leeds United squad revealed for Watford with two players absent for vital Championship fixture

The pendulum has swung Leeds United’s way in the Championship promotion battle. Their irrepressible run of form in 2024 has blown the title race wide open.

The Whites enter the pivotal Easter period top of the table after picking up a staggering 37 points from a possible 39 since the turn of the year. A mouth-watering end to the season looks on the cards.

But United are only above Leicester City on goal difference and Enzo Maresca’s men are in possession of a game in hand. Expect there to be more twists and turns in the race to go up over the coming weeks.

It will be interesting to see what starting XI Whites chief Daniel Farke chooses at Watford tonight as the German has a number of fitness concerns in his squad. Connor Roberts, Willy Gnonto and Ilia Gruev all returned from international duty nursing knocks. The trio are expected to be given as long as possible to prove their fitness.

Star forward Georginio Rutter is in contention to be included in the squad after successfully undergoing hernia surgery during the international break. “There are a few concerns,” admitted Farke. “Georginio Rutter is one of the concerns because he is on a good path, he joined us on Wednesday in parts of team training but was not able to have a full session with the team. But there are still 48 hours so I’m carefully optimistic that he will be available to be in the squad.

“Connor Roberts limped off so we’re waiting to assess him. I hope it’s not too bad but let’s be honest, if you limp out of a game you’re not normally available two days later. It seems to be a muscle injury.

“The same for Willy Gnonto (who played for Italy Under-21s in a European Championship qualifier at home to Turkey) because he reported some problems with his hamstring after his game.

“Ilia Gruev reported problems with his ankle ligament after the Bulgaria game (in Azerbaijan). Again, we have to wait for the assessment.”

Sam Byram is in line to feature if Junior Firpo is not deemed ready to start following his international exertions with the Dominican Republic this week. It is hoped Firpo will be declared fit to be part of the matchday squad.

Centre-back Pascal Struijk is a long-term injury absentee while Stuart Dallas remains unavailable for selection.

Leeds United squad for Watford: Meslier, Darlow, Klaesson, Roberts, Gray, Rodon, Firpo, Byram, Cooper, Cresswell, Shackleton, Ampadu, Kamara, Gruev, James, Gnonto, Summerville, Anthony, Bamford, Piroe, Rutter, Gelhardt, Joseph.