Morison perplexed but Leeds say mass absenteeism was on ‘medical’ advice

Morison netted his first goal in 25 months for Leeds in their 2-1 loss at Charlton where many among the 3,140 travelling contingent called on owner Massimo Cellino to leave the club.

Not for the first time this season, a side-issue dominated the agenda after six of the club’s players unexpectedly declared themselves unfit on Friday. Marco Silvestri, Mirco Antenucci, Giuseppe Bellusci, Soulyemane Doukara, Edgar Cani and Dario del Fabro all reported injuries.

Head coach Neil Redfearn has found himself isolated by the suspension of assistant coach Steve Thompson, and Morison said: “It’s quite sad watching him out there every morning on his own putting out balls and cones. I have never known a manager have to do that.”

Redfearn said of the six absent players: “If the lads come in and say they are injured, you’ve got to take them at face value.

“They are professional people and you expect them to do the right thing.”

Leeds issued a statement last night claiming that “several players were carrying injuries” after the club’s loss to Norwich last Tuesday.

The statement said it was “the medical team’s view from Thursday onwards that some first-team players would struggle to be fit for Saturday’s game at Charlton.

“It was declared that the six players were unavailable to travel to London on Friday, the club needs to protect its assets. The club completely stands by the internal medical recommendations that it receives.”