Leeds United signing Luis Sinisterra faces a race to be fit for the start of the Premier League season after suffering a hamstring injury Friday in a feisty 1-1 friendly draw with Crystal Palace.
Leeds, who beat Brisbane Roar but lost to Aston Villa in their previous friendlies in Australia, were counting the cost after a fiery clash in slippery conditions at Perth’s Optus Stadium in front of 33,919 fans.
Sinisterra’s first start for Leeds ended abruptly after the Colombian winger, a 25-million-euro capture from Feyenoord, hobbled off after just 11 minutes.
Leeds start their new campaign against Wolves on August 6.
“We’re hopeful that it’s not too much… too severe,” said coach Jesse Marsch.
“We’ll evaluate that and we hope that it’s not too bad.”
Leeds’ woes were compounded when acting captain Adam Forshaw was substituted in the 33rd minute, with the midfielder walking off gingerly with a knee injury.
“(Forshaw) tweaked his knee. We’re hopeful that one’s not so bad but we’ll get more information in the next days,” Marsch said.
Leeds were already once again without skipper Liam Cooper with a nagging Achilles injury.
After a lacklustre first-half marred by skirmishes and a slew of yellow cards, the game opened up late on with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s tap-in for Palace cancelling out a penalty from Rodrigo.
Even though they had a winless pre-season tour, after losses to Liverpool and Manchester United, Palace coach Patrick Vieira found positives in a youthful squad that was missing a host of big names.
“We need to expose them, they need to play to keep improving individually,” he said of the youngsters.
“I was really pleased with the intensity and the physical side of the game.”
Author
World Cup News
-
FIFA World Cup
/ 1 day agoCanada’s Davies ‘available’ for historic knockout clash
Canada coach Jesse Marsch is banking on the "X-factor" of returning superstar Alphonso Davies...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 1 day agoWorld Cup star Gakpo requests privacy after death of unborn son
Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo has asked for "privacy and space" following the loss of...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 1 day agoJapan embrace ‘underdog mentality’ for World Cup clash with Brazil
Japan can beat Brazil in the World Cup last 32 by embracing an "underdog...
By AFP -
FIFA World Cup
/ 2 days agoInjured Australian pair Leckie, Italiano out of World Cup
Injured Australian pair Mathew Leckie and Jacob Italiano were ruled out of the World...
By AFP