Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch has confirmed that Patrick Bamford and Junior Firpo are both available for Sunday's Premier League clash against Arsenal.
Bamford started his first game since the opening day of the season in the Whites' 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend, and the striker has been gradually building up his fitness after a difficult spell with injuries.
Meanwhile, Firpo made his first appearance of the season as a substitute in the goalless draw with Aston Villa after recovering from a knee injury, but the left-back missed the loss at Palace after sustaining a minor thigh problem.
However, Marsch has revealed that both players are fit to feature this weekend, while he has also provided an update on Stuart Dallas, Adam Forshaw, Leo Hjelde and Archie Gray.
"I think [Bamford] is getting closer and closer to being 100% which he knows he hasn't been in quite some time. He's looked quite good in training this week," Marsch said at a pre-match press conference on Friday.
© Reuters
"He's part of the solution for us. It's getting him physically better, fitter and sharper around the goal. I think he's a very important guy. We need to keep him sharp and fit.
"I spoke to Patrick at one point to say 'we have to manage you', it's normal that after such a long time out. I think he's fit and healthy right now. Today he was given a down day, a regen day, he didn't train."
Marsch added: "Leo [Hjelde] has recovered well from his appendectomy. He was on the pitch today but won't be available for another week.
"Adam [Forshaw's] surgery (for a hernia) went well. Archie [Gray] was on the pitch today and Stuart [Dallas] is making good progress. We plan on bringing him along with us in whatever we do in December, hopefully an announcement on that soon. Everyone else is healthy including Junior Firpo."
While Firpo is available for selection, Marsch has stated that Pascal Struijk "is playing at a high level and will continue in the team" against Arsenal.
The 23-year-old centre-back has been operating at left-back in Firpo's absence and he scored the opening goal in the defeat at Palace last weekend.
© Reuters
Leeds have put together an unwanted run of five games without a win heading into Sunday's clash with Arsenal and have subsequently slipped to 14th in the Premier League table, just three points above the relegation zone.
Marsch accepts the pressure on his shoulders but believes that he has the full support of the players and the hierarchy at the club.
"I think the support I have internally at this club is better than I've had anywhere I've been in my life," the American added. "I know that when you lose, questions arise, that's normal. And I accept that. And it's my responsibility to lose as little as possible.
"So, that's the job, I'm not afraid of that. I believe that I'm the man to do the job. With my staff, with my team, with the ownership, we're all together – it empowers me to do the job."
Leeds have lost each of their last three Premier League meetings against Arsenal but they could climb into the top half of the table if they claim maximum points at Elland Road this weekend.
No Data Analysis info
