Leeds United midfielder
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Shackleton is currently in the middle of a lengthy injury layoff having not featured in a Leeds United matchday squad since the 1-0 victory over West Brom at the beginning of October. The club confirmed after the game that Shackleton would be set to miss four weeks of action with a hamstring injury, which forced him off at half-time.
The 20-year-old will have been very frustrated to have been withdrawn from the side at half-time after having a very solid 45-minute performance. To add insult to injury, it was Shackleton’s chance to stake a claim for a regular starting spot, as he came in to replace the injured Adam Forshaw, who is still yet to return to the squad.
The young midfielder was set to make his first-team return when Leeds faced QPR at Elland Road at the start of this month, however, Marcelo Bielsa confirmed that he had received another setback in his recovery, this time coming with a hamstring injury. Speaking to Leeds Live, the Argentine said this: "He has one muscular problem, but different to the injury before. It’s not going to be able [to play] this weekend."
Shackleton’s task now is to overcome this hamstring injury in time for the hectic winter schedule with Leeds struggling with a host of major injuries currently on top of his.
The Verdict
Shackleton’s imminent return to the squad is a massive boost for Leeds who have been missing a driving force between defence and attack that both him and Adam Forshaw provide, so for Leeds, it will be great to see him feature again.
The international break will have given him ample time to recover from the injury but Bielsa will be unlikely to risk him in the weekend’s fixture against Luton Town.