Leeds United face a trip to historic rivals Chelsea in their first game back after the international break - ahead of which blows have left four players out and six others doubtful but with key men expected back.
Just two points now separate the two teams in the Premier League table after very differing fortunes in the final weekend of action before the two week November international break.
Leeds went into Saturday’s hosting of Tottenham having gone five games without a victory but Daniel Farke’s Whites signed off the international break in style as Noah Okafor’s clinical finish sealed a 1-0 success.
Chelsea were then in action at bottom of the table Sunderland the following day but the Blues fell to a fourth defeat of the season as Enzo Le Fee’s first-half penalty sealed a 1-0 victory for the Black Cats.
It’s all left Chelsea fifth and only two points above ninth-placed Leeds ahead of the first game back when the Blues host the Whites in a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, November 21 at Stamford Bridge.
The Whites and Blues both had key players missing at the weekend and both teams have also suffered recent injury blows. Developments over the next two weeks could be key and here we run through the early injury news from both teams combined.
7. OUT: Reece James
Club captain James is one of three longer term Chelsea injuries, the England right back recovering from knee surgery and generally not expected back until the new year. | John Walton/PA Wire
8. OUT: Maxence Lacroix
Another Chelsea defender injured, French international centre-back Lacroix on the comeback trail from a hamstring injury suffered in the Carabao Cup defeat to Liverpool. Reports have suggested that Lacroix might also be out until the new year. | Getty Images
9. OUT: Jamie Gittens
Blues winger Gittens has had a bad run of injuries with Chelsea and has yet to play a single minute of Premier League football for the club so far this season. Thought likely to be back in December or late November. | Getty Images
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10. DOUBT: Mateo Joseph
Still on the Leeds books, Joseph is a longer term injury as he recovers from an ACL injury but whether there is any way back for him at United remains to be seen having spent last season away from the club on loan with Real Mallorca. | Getty Images
11. DOUBT: Josh Acheampong (but expected back)
England under-21s international centre-back Acheampong had played every minute of Chelsea's last four league games but the defender missed Sunday's clash at Sunderland. Boss Xabi Alonso, though, said Acheampong was recovering from a "minor thing" and that he didn't have the fitness to feature against the Black Cats. The Blues said he was expecting Acheampong to be back after the international break. | Getty Images
12. DOUBT: Emiliano Martínez (but expected back)
Another key Blues player who is expected back. Chelsea's new no 1 Martínez has been out since fracturing his jaw in last month's win at Everton, an injury which required surgery. Martinez returned to training ahead of the trip to Sunderland but the game ultimately came too soon. Alonso, though, expects that the keeper will be back after the international break. The Blues boss said: "So he will use one more week, 10 days, to keep on training and get used to the mask. I’m sure after the break he will be available.” | Getty Images