Leeds United have received a boost ahead of the international break, with news that their first rivals upon football’s return will be depleted by injury.
As reported by South London Press, Daniel Farke’s side will travel to Millwall a week on Saturday, the first meeting between the two sides since January 2020. On that occasion, Leeds won 3-2 at Elland Road, with Shaun Hutchinson bagging for the visitors. Hutchinson is Millwall’s skipper, but he won’t play a part in the latest clash between the teams, having been withdrawn from their 1-1 draw with Birmingham City after just 32 minutes.
“It looks like he is probably going to miss two to three games,” Millwall boss Gary Rowett told the South London Press. “And then we’ll see where we are at from there. He might be back a little bit quicker or longer – it is difficult to pinpoint exactly. He is not going to be fit for the Leeds game, put it that way.”
Just a single point separates Leeds and Millwall in the embryonic table, with the former hunting an immediate return to the Premier League after relegation last season. Daniel Farke’s have won just once in their opening five fixtures, a thrilling 4-3 victory against Ipswich Town.
As for Millwall, losing their captain will be a huge blow. The 32-year-old has played 192 Championship games for the Lions, having joined after a brief spell with Fulham. He’s formed a tough barrier at the back alongside Jake Cooper and will be sorely missed as Rowett seeks to improve on last season’s finish of eighth.
Writer’s View
Millwall will be significantly weaker for Hutchinson’s absence, and that’s great news for Leeds United. As demonstrated in the win at Ipswich, Farke’s side do have goals in the team, whilst Millwall are usually resolute. They’ve only conceded more than a single goal on one occasion this season, a record set to be tested by their captain’s absence.
It isn’t just his ability but also his leadership that they’ll miss. With the benefit of a week off, Leeds will feel physically energised, but perhaps also at a psychological advantage knowing one of their opponent’s key players is set to miss out.
