Daniel Farke will feel the international break came at the best possible time for Leeds United.
After a chaotic summer of non-stop uncertainty, Leeds have finally been able to take a breather and reset ahead of really kick starting their season at Millwall.
Leeds were affected by several injury problems during the opening month of the season and were even unable to fill their bench for matches against Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion.
However, with a flurry of late signings, the squad should look a lot stronger upon the resumption of the season as a handful of players also close in on their returns from injury.
So, with that in mind, here is a look at Leeds’ current injury list and when they are targeting a return.
Sam Byram
Byram picked up an adductor in the first half of the win at Ipswich Town last month which ruled him out of the draw with Sheffield Wednesday. Farke confirmed, however, that Byram should be fit to return at Millwall next Sunday.
Dan James
Like Byram, James has also been absent due to an adductor injury with the Welsh winger having been absent since the 1-1 draw with West Brom. A comeback at Millwall does not look out of the question, though, despite the fact he was not called up to the Wales squad this month.
Patrick Bamford
Bamford picked up a hamstring injury in the final pre-season friendly of the summer away at Hearts. Farke confirmed in the days that followed he would be unavailable until after the first international break, which also makes a return at Millwall a possibility.
Junior Firpo
Firpo has been absent for the entirety of Farke’s reign so far but in a club statement over a month ago, Leeds stated he would be back in four weeks. After confirming to the Spanish media earlier this week he was feeling good, he could be back for his first appearance of the season at Millwall.
Liam Cooper
In the act of scoring Leeds’ first goal of the season against Cardiff, Cooper ruptured his plantar fascia to leave him on the treatment table for eight weeks. Based on that timeline, Cooper is roughly around half way through his recovery and so the home game against Bristol City next month could be when he returns.
Stuart Dallas
Dallas is now coming up to 18 months since suffering that horrific leg injury against Manchester City. It still remains unclear when he will return, but it is clearly something they do not want to rush.