Jamie Shackleton gives return date that will delight Leeds fans

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Jamie Shackleton has been quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post as stating that he is aiming to finally return to action from his hamstring woes by making himself available for Leeds United’s clash against Preston North End on Boxing Day.

The 20-year-old has missed 11 Championship matches due to the injury, separated by a brief one-minute substitute appearance against Reading. The decision to return ahead of schedule has backfired, keeping Shackleton out of the last four games.

The Leeds academy product has been working hard to regain his fitness at Thorp Arch and the three-time England Under-20 international is now said to be close to a return – finally putting the muscle injury behind him.

Shackleton claimed he is aiming to return to full fitness and make himself available to Marcelo Bielsa’s side in just over a week’s time. It will see him miss Saturday’s trip to Fulham, but fit enough to face Preston at Elland Road on Boxing Day.

“I had some problems with my hamstring after the West Brom game,” Shackleton admitted. “And I came back in probably a bit too soon. I’ve felt it again in training, but we are looking at being back for Boxing Day hopefully.”

TBR’s view – Can Shackleton break back into Leeds starting line-up?

Following last season’s play-offs against Derby and a decent start to the season, Shackleton had shown signs that he would become a regular starter for Bielsa’s side. But the injury came at just the wrong time.

Pablo Hernandez is impressing alongside Matuesz Klich, while Tyler Roberts and Adam Forshaw have both starred in the role before suffering injuries. Shackleton can break into the side, but right now, it seems unlikely.

The midfield of Kalvin Phillips behind Helder Costa, Klich, Hernandez and Jack Harrison is firing and it looks set to remain.