Head coach Neil Redfearn has confirmed that midfielder Rodolph Austin will be sidelined for "two or three weeks" after picking up a thigh strain in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Watford.

Austin, a regular fixture in Redfearn’s side since the turn of the year, was replaced by Adryan after 73 minutes at Elland Road and headed straight down the tunnel to receive treatment.

The 29-year-old had netted his third goal of the season earlier that afternoon with a stunning half-volley to make it 2-0, but Austin is now set to miss a large part of March, starting with Wednesday night’s visit of Ipswich Town.

"Rudy’s got a slight thigh strain," Redfearn explained. "It’s a grade two so he’ll be out for a couple of weeks – two or three weeks.

"I’m hoping that he’ll be fit sooner rather than later because he’s a big loss for us."

Media reports during the January transfer window had heavily linked the midfielder with a move away from Elland Road, but the club moved quickly to issue a statement confirming that he was not for sale and was indeed keen to remain a United player.

Redfearn said: "There were a lot of people who wanted him before transfer deadline day and they’re not stupid.

"The Championship is a tough division to play in, Rudy knows the level. He’s very combative as a midfield player, very mobile and very athletic.

"He can see a pass and he’s got a goal in him – as we saw on Saturday.

"He gives you momentum, particularly at home. He gets after people and he’s been a big plus for us recently.

"He’s a big loss."

However, Redfearn is optimistic of having his midfield options boosted in the near future as January loan signing Granddi Ngoyi edges closer to a return at Thorp Arch, although Tommaso Bianchi and Zan Benedicic remain long-term absentees.

"Granddi Ngoyi is not too far off now and I’m hoping he’s going to join in training next week," said the head coach.

"Tommy Bianchi is still recovering from his operation and Zan Benedicic is exactly the same."