Midfielder Austin gives Leeds injury concern for Owls clash

RODOLPH Austin is an early doubt for Leeds United ahead of this week’s eagerly-anticipated derby clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

The midfielder has proved a big hit with supporters since joining United from SK Brann in the summer and already has three goals to his name from 13 appearances.

Austin is away with Jamaica on international duty but could be forced to sit out tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Antigua and Barbuda in Kingston with an ankle injury.

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United manager Neil Warnock, who continues to edge closer to a deal to sign Southend United winger Ryan Hall, is now waiting for an update on the Jamaican’s fitness with the derby clash at Hillsborough just three days away.

Leeds, who are expected to be backed by a large travelling army of fans, have been allocated an additional 291 tickets for Friday’s derby clash.

Two United players who won’t be involved against the Owls are Dominic Poleon and Zac Thompson after the teenage duo yesterday joined Bury on loan.

Former Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell approached his old boss Warnock about the availability of the two 19-year-olds, who will stay at Gigg Lane until November 17.

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Poleon has made five appearances for Leeds’s first team this season and scored his first goal for the club in last month’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

Thompson penned a new three-year deal before the international break but has found his opportunities limited since the start of the new season.

Meanwhile, Hull City plan to host Egyptian club, Al Ahly, ahead of next season after chairman, Assem Allam, agreed terms over a friendly clash at the KC Stadium on a recent visit to his home country.

The Tigers chief first revealed plans to bring Al Ahly to England in the wake of 74 fans being killed and hundreds injured during trouble at a league game between the Egyptian club and Al-Masry in March. All proceeds will be donated to victims of the disaster.

Dr Allam said: “We haven’t set a specific date yet, that is still to sort out with Steve Bruce. But I can say that the match will take place before the start of next season.”

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