Leeds United have had their fair share of injury problems during the first-half of this year's league campaign, as they look to make a long-awaited return to the Premier League. 

Marcelo Bielsa's side are on track to do just that as well, with the Yorkshire-based side currently sat top of the Championship table after their opening 26 games.

One player that has struggled for consistent game time in the Leeds starting XI though is Jamie Shackleton, who has been sidelined through injury for much of this year's campaign.

Shackleton was hugely impressive in his breakthrough season with the Whites last season, but has struggled to build on that this term.

The young midfielder recently returned from his injury lay-off on Sunday, as he started for Leeds' Under-23's team in a 5-0 thrashing of Hull City at the club's training ground.

Shackleton took to Twitter following the win, and labelled his injury lay-off as 'a frustrating few months', which is something he'll be keen to make up for as we head into the second-half of the season.

It remains to be seen as to whether Shackleton will feature for Leeds' first team straight away, but Bielsa's men will be hoping to give a good account of themselves when they take on Arsenal in the FA Cup on Monday evening.

How much can you remember about Leeds' previous cup exploits? 

The Verdict: 

His return has come at the ideal time.

I'm still not convinced that Leeds are going to be making many signings this month, so it could be the perfect time for Shackleton to come back into the first-team fold for Bielsa's men.

The Whites are on a roll at the moment, and I find it hard to believe that they won't make a long-awaited return to the Premier League this term.

Shackleton's return will provide Bielsa with strength in depth, which can never be a bad scenario to have as a manager.