Leeds United manager Daniel Farke spoke to the media ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Sunderland.
The Whites are back in Sky Bet Championship action, looking to make it eight games unbeaten in the division.
Farke began by giving an update on team news ahead of the trip to the Stadium of Light.
“I can confirm that Sam Byram is definitely out with a hamstring strain,” said Farke.
“The first diagnosis said he would be out for three weeks so realistically we expect him to be back for the league in the new year.
“Also there is bad news with Jamie Shackleton, he has a glute injury, so he is not available for tomorrow.
“It’s a bit surprising because he trained yesterday normally and after the training, he felt his glute, we assessed him today and sadly he is also out.
“A few players are struggling with illness, cold and flu, at this time of year it’s always unpredictable, each and every morning a different player can wake up and moan about some symptoms and for that it’s difficult to say who will be available.
“It’s that time of year when you have to show steel against the odds and work under the circumstances.
“For that we have a big group, I trust all my players and we will see who will be available tomorrow.”
Sunderland are currently without a manager and Farke spoke about what he is expecting from the Black Cats.
“It tells you a lot about this club that they’re in the top six and despite that just a week ago they part ways with a pretty experienced manager at this level in Tony Mowbray.
“It says a lot about the expectations of this club and where they want to finish.
“It means that if you have an away game against an opponent in the top six and still not happy with their position, it’s one of the most difficult tasks in this league.
“We are fully aware, but we have also shown that we can be there in away games against top opponents with top results.
“For that we travel, like always, with respect but fully convinced of our strengths.”
“We expect a tight, competitive game, a bit similar to what I expected at Blackburn.
“Sunderland is a young, energetic side with lots of talent and they have big expectations, and we have to be ready and prepared to give ourselves a chance to win the points.”
