Leeds will move swiftly to sign attacking reinforcements if Robert Snodgrass is ruled out by injury for a prolonged spell.
Winger Snodgrass misses tomorrow’s pre-season friendly against Premier League survivors Wolves at Elland Road after being carried off during United’s 3-1 win over Brann Bergen in Norway on Tuesday night.
Now the club are awaiting the outcome of a scan to discover whether the Scot has suffered any ligament damage. In the meantime his knee has been placed in a brace.
Leeds boss Simon Grayson said: “If Robert is going to be out for a few weeks or months, it may change our strategy over the areas of the squad we need to strengthen.”
Striker Billy Paynter also misses tomorrow’s game with a shin injury which is being closely monitored.
Grayson was angry over the circumstances of the injury to Snodgrass in Norway. He said: “We are led to believe that the lad who did it had just been released and was probably trying extra hard.
“I am especially disappointed for Robert, who has been looking strong and has been enjoying his football.
“We are not going to be too pessimistic until we get the results of his scan but even if there is no ligament damage the knee will be quite sore and swollen, so Robert will be out for the weekend, and Billy is having a review of his injury too.”
Club captain Richard Naylor will continue his build-up to full fitness by turning out against Wolves with a view to starting the season against Derby on August 7, although Grayson says he will take no risks with the defender.
After wins against Hartlepool and Brann, Wolves provide much stiffer opposition and Grayson said: “You always look to end your pre-season preparations with a really tough test and I am grateful that Mick McCarthy agreed to bring Wolves to play us.”
Luciano Becchio will be looking to maintain the scoring form that has seen him collect four goals from the last two games.
Grayson believes the Argentinian is benefiting from spending more time in and around the opposition’s penalty box.
“We are trying to make sure Luciano is not doing too much hard work outside the 18-yard box, running, chasing and harrying defenders like he did last season,” said the United boss.
“He will still do some of that because it is a big part of his game but when he is in and around the box he is a good, clinical goal-scorer – especially when he has the ammunition supplied to him, which has happened in the last two games.”
Tresor Kandol was a notable omission from the first-team squad list issued yesterday, with a move for the out-of-favour striker imminent.
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