Leeds United head coach Paul Heckingbottom spoke to the press ahead of Friday’s game with Aston Villa.

The Whites travel to Villa Park in the Sky Bet Championship, looking for a first away win since Boxing Day.

United have a large number of absentees for the fixture, but Heckingbottom has urged the Whites side that takes to the field, to be positive and for the take advantage of the experience.

“There is no light at the end of the tunnel at the moment in terms of injuries and we’ve added another one to it on Tuesday as well,” said Heckingbottom.

“That is our biggest problem at the minute, the horrendous injury list and not only that, the positions that are getting injured and the standard of player that is getting injured, is a big problem for us.

“Pontus Jansson has sustained a head injury, even if Pontus said he was fit, once the doctors are involved there is a return to play protocol which we have to follow, but hopefully he will be back for the following game.

“There are opportunities for other players though, Paudie O’Connor has come in and done well in the last two games and there may be chances to look at others as well now.

“We are looking at the squad, assessing it and getting information to make decisions to improve us for next season.

"That involves looking beneath the first team and giving young players opportunities and they have to take that chance.

“Aston Villa have been in good form for a long, long time now and can win games in lots of different ways, which is why they are at the top end of the league.

“They can be well on top in games, dominate the ball and put teams to bed, but they can also win games by defending well and breaking from deep on the counter attack.

“They also have match winners in the side, where things aren’t going well for them and they are appearing second best in a game, they can come out with three points.

“That is what we are up against, but we have nothing to lose, we will go to Villa Park and give our best.”

You can see the full press conference with Paul Heckingbottom below: