Leeds United boss David O'Leary faces an anxious 24 hours as he runs the rule over his injured stars. O'Leary has endured a frustrating build-up to tomorrow's high noon showdown with Manchester United with several of his squad suffering knocks. Rio Ferdinand, Olivier Dacourt and Eirik Bakke were already receiving intensive treatment before Dominic Matteo picked up a calf injury during Scotland's 5-0 drubbing by France.
All four face a race against time to prove their fitness for a crunch match in Leeds' bid to bring Champions League football back to Elland Road. O'Leary told the club's official website, www.lufc.co.uk: "There are a couple of days to go but Rio and Olly are very doubtful. You hope you get all your players back in one piece. I've had hardly anybody here this week and I'm preparing for a game against Manchester United!"
Victory for Leeds would give them a major boost as they chase a top-four finish and could also deal a serious blow to Alex Ferguson's title hopes. But Leeds have not beaten their rivals since September 1997 and the news that Matteo had returned from Paris injured leaves O'Leary facing a defensive crisis. The 27-year-old former Liverpool defender managed the full 90 minutes at the Stade de France but played in pain during the second half.
With Michael Duberry definitely missing with a hamstring problem, Danny Mills may have to move into central defence with Gary Kelly returning at right back. With fourth-placed Newcastle playing Everton today, Leeds could go into the game five points behind Bobby Robson's men but O'Leary is confident they can be caught. He added: "Now we are focusing on our goal which is to qualify for the Champions League. If we do with all the things that have gone on it will be an unbelievable achievement."
Filed by Shane Murray
