Huge Newcastle United injury blow ahead of Leeds United clash as £30m transfer a major doubt
Leeds United welcome the Magpies to Elland Road on Monday night.
Leeds United’s upcoming opponents Newcastle United have been handed a potential injury blow amid doubts over right-back Amar Dedic.
The 24-year-old, a £30million summer signing from Benfica, was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury during Newcastle’s midweek Carabao Cup win at Millwall. Speaking after that win at The Den, boss Matthias Jaissle confirmed the issue but hoped it was nothing serious.
Dedic has been excellent for Newcastle so far this season, already registering three assists from full-back. His absence could see Tino Livramento make his first start of the season at right-back, while versatile midfielder Lewis Miley is another potential option.
Asked if Dedic could be involved on Monday, Jaissle told Newcastle World: “I treat these things really confidentially. I hope my staff too, that nothing comes out.
“Because first of all, it's about the player and it's about his health. But what I said already after Millwall, it doesn't look too serious.”
Dedic could join a list of likely absences for Newcastle’s Premier League trip to Elland Road. Fellow defender Dan Burn is out with an ankle ligament injury while goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen (ankle), midfielder Joelinton (thigh) and striker William Osula (foot) remain sidelined.
Osula’s place in the team could be taken by £51m deadline day arrival Matias Fernandez-Pardo, who is yet to start a game for his new club. Jaissle admits a late decision will be taken on the former Benfica man ahead of what he expects to be a difficult game at Elland Road.
"He is getting closer to starting,” Jaissle said of his new striker. “We need to be smart with his load management. He has had a full training week this week, the first since he arrived. We will need to make a decision on him Sunday or even Monday.
"Leeds United will be a tough away match. They are a top team; their manager is doing an excellent job. The atmosphere will be special and we aware of it like we were at the Den.
“We need to match that, the players will need to match that. If we can do that, along with the support of the fa we can get a good result.”