Mens

Michael Skubala: We have to go into this as a fresh game

A look ahead to Manchester United on Sunday.

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Leeds United face rivals Manchester United for the second time this week, as the teams prepare to face one another at Elland Road on Sunday.

Michael Skubala has spoken with the press at Thorp Arch on Friday, to preview the upcoming clash.

The teams previously met on Wednesday night at Old Trafford in an exciting, hard fought match, which saw them come away with a point each from the 2-2 draw.

“It's a bit of an unusual situation playing back to back games,” Skubala explained.

“But, like before, there may be one or two tweaks but nothing we can change majorly.

"With the time we have with the players and with three games over seven days, it's about recovery and regeneration, but you can get some work done and a bit of shape.

“The players are amazing. They're a good group of players to work with, they are hard working, they're honest, and they've responded really, really well, and all the staff have as well.

"The club should be proud of them and the fans should be proud, but it's still one point. This is another game to try and get three points for the club.

“We have to go into this game as a fresh game and think about in a fresh way.

“Whatever happened in the last game for me is now closed, the books closed and we go again Sunday and we try and get three points.”

Skubala was asked about the fitness of his squad and who might or might not be available for the match on Sunday, after players went off injured during the week.

He said: “The long term injuries are progressing well, they’re the same.

“Pascal Struijk got concussion [at Old Trafford]. So the medical team are following the concussion protocols, so he'll miss the game Sunday, which is the right decision.

“Liam Cooper and Marc Roca we’re still assessing, and we'll see if we can get them involved on Sunday, so that's taking a bit of time.

“Luis was a slightly different injury but we think he'll be okay, but we're still going to assess whether it's too early for him for Sunday.

"For me, it's about protecting players first and foremost. We don't want to take any risks with any players, this is a long season and we need to look after them.”

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