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Michael Skubala discusses future, issues injury update ahead of Manchester United game

sportsmole.co.uk, 10 February 2023, 17:43
Leeds United co-caretaker boss Michael Skubala has acknowledged that he is in daily communication with sporting director Victor Orta over the club's search for a new manager.

Skubala, Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas have been placed in temporary charge following the dismissal of head coach Jesse Marsch on Monday.

The coaching trio were in the dugout for Leeds' 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday and will lead the Whites again when they welcome the Red Devils to Elland Road in the Premier League on Sunday.

West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan was linked with the Leeds vacancy before signing a new contract with the Championship club on Tuesday, while Rayo Vallecano have allegedly blocked the Whites' pursuit of their head coach Andoni Iraola.

Meanwhile, a move for Feyenoord's Arne Slot has been mooted over the last few days, but the 44-year-old has ruled himself out of the race to take charge at Elland Road.

Skubala insists that he will do the best he can in his temporary role until a successor is appointed, and he is focused only on the next game against Man United.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Skubala said: "I'm not planning for anything other than a day to day communication with Victor, communication with the board on a day to day basis. I'm just doing the best I can do in this in this short time.

"I've always had the philosophy look after the day and tomorrow looks after itself. I just want to do the best job I can do in the moment and through my career.

"That's all I've ever done and hopefully people that have worked with me or people that have led me will say good things."

Leeds head into Sunday's game without a win in their last eight Premier League games, but there were plenty of positives to take from their draw at Old Trafford in midweek.

However, defender Pascal Struijk was forced off with concussion in that match and Skubala has confirmed that the Dutchman will subsequently miss Sunday's fixture.

"Pascal got concussion. So the medical team are following the concussion protocols," said Skubala. "So he'll miss the game Sunday, which is the right decision."

Skubala has also provided an update on eight other players who have been struggling with injuries, including Luis Sinisterra, who could be available for selection against the Red Devils despite coming off with a hamstring issue in midweek.

"Luis's [injury] is slightly different, he will think he'll be okay, but we're still going to assess whether it's too early for him for Sunday," Skubala added.

Rodrigo, Archie Gray, Sonny Perkins (all ankle), Adam Forshaw (groin) and Stuart Dallas (leg) all remain sidelined with injuries, but Skubala has said that their "long-term injuries are progressing well."

Meanwhile, Liam Cooper and Marc Roca - who are nursing respective knee and knock issues - will be assessed ahead of kickoff.

Leeds currently sit 16th in the Premier League table but they could climb up to 14th and four points clear of the relegation zone if they beat Man United this weekend.

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