Leeds are leaving their decision on playing Luciano Becchio in tomorrow’s crunch match against Reading to the last minute, hoping their talisman striker can recover enough to play at least some part.

The 27-year-old Argentinian injured his knee in a goalmouth scramble during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Watford and it was sore enough for him to require a scan, the results of which United have yet to reveal.

But Elland Road boss Simon Grayson will be desperate to have Becchio for their final four games, in which Leeds can hardly afford a single slip-up if they are to hang on to the final Championship play-off spot.

Becchio showed his class once more in the Watford match. Having been rested because Grayson felt he looked tired, the striker came off the bench and scored his 20th goal of the season with a trademark header.

Leeds could not have a much tougher run-in, especially as their own recent form has been poor.

As well as Reading, who are two places above them, United face Burnley – one of the sides chasing them – runaway leaders QPR and Crystal Palace, who are fighting to avoid relegation.

Leeds chairman Ken Bates admitted: “They are all tough games but it’s in our own hands. We have four games left and if we win all four, we are in the play-offs.”