:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58606763/877596158.jpg.0.jpg)
Well, at least one crisis appears to be averted for Leeds United, as it is reported that centre back Pontus Jansson will be fit for Saturday’s match against Sheffield United.
Pontus Jansson hoping to hand Leeds and Heckingbottom a major boost by playing in Saturday's derby at Sheffield United:https://t.co/IxHRO6FakG pic.twitter.com/tDGrstskHX
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) February 7, 2018
Ready for Paul’s Saturday selection!
— Peter Jansson (@pejansson) February 6, 2018
One of Jansson’s relatives said on twitter than Pontus is likely to be fit to play on Saturday’s Yorkshire derby match against Sheffield United. Thomas Christiansen originally had said that Jansson was due to miss this weekend’s clash after being taking off against Cardiff City with what appeared to be an ankle injury. Former Leeds player Sol Bamba appeared to catch Jansson on his ankle, although no foul was called on the play.
If Jansson is indeed fit for the weekend it will make the selection for the weekend a lot easier for new Leeds boss Paul Heckingbottom. Matthew Pennington is the only other available central defender, with Conor Shaughnessy unavailable through injury and Liam Cooper is still suspended. Gaetano Berardi, who has filled in at centre back this season, is out through suspension and Luke Ayling, who has also played at centre back, is out for the season with injury.
Even if Jansson is good to go against Sheffield United, one of the youth prospects will likely feature on the bench, with Paudie O’Connor or a loan recall for Liam Kitching from Harrogate Town also possible. We’ll see what the options are on Saturday.