Leeds United are racing to get Robert Snodgrass fit to face Watford at Elland Road on Saturday.

A back injury caused the Scotland winger to miss the 2-1 defeat against Derby at Pride Park on Tuesday night – the club’s third successive away reverse.

At his best, Snodgrass is a vital member of the side, capable of taking defences apart, and United badly need him back and in form as they look to cling on to a play-off place.

They are now just one point ahead of seventh-placed Nottingham Forest and, with three of the remaining five matches at home, their form at Elland Road will be crucial.

Manager Simon Grayson, who brought in Neil Kilkenny for regular midfielder Bradley Johnson at Derby, had Barry Bannan deputising for Snodgrass and he revealed that he may continue to rotate his players to restore the form that got them into the play-off places in the first place.

Grayson said: “Robert Snodgrass was struggling with his back before the weekend and failed a fitness test on Monday. We will try to get him ready for the game against Watford.

“We tried to change things a little because Bradley had played a lot of games and it might be the case that we keep rotating to get our zest and spark back in all areas of the pitch.

“I was hugely disappointed with the performance at Derby. After scoring the first goal we were too naive and allowed them back into the game. Now the players have to get their heads down and prepare mentally and physically for a big game against Watford.

“I still have immense belief that we will achieve the target of a play-off place at least. We have good players but they have to learn that you cannot take your foot off the pedal.”