Leeds United loanee Jean-Kevin Augustin steeled for Championship-ending injury prognosis

The Frenchman has played just 48 minutes of Championship football since his January 27 move from RB Leipzig.

He picked up a hamstring injury on Februay 24 and had initially hoped to return for Luton Town’s visit to Elland Road before the international break, but the coronavirus pandemic forced the suspension of the season.

Augustin, brought in to provide competition for Marcelo Bielsa’s first-choice frontman Patrick Bamford, worked hard during his rehabilitation period and stuck to a strict diet to reach his target weight, telling staff he felt better than when he first arrived in England.

The 22-year-old was able to begin working from the same fitness programme as the rest of the squad, while continuing supplementary work to fully repair the muscle.

But, yesterday, the player was being assessed by the club’s medical team to investigate whether or not he has sustained a fresh injury or a reoccurence of his hamstring problem, and to ascertain whether or not he will be unavilable for the remaining nine games of the Championship season.

The 2019/20 campaign begins again on June 20, with Leeds in action a day later at Cardiff City.

Augustin was brought in on loan with an eye to a permanent move this summer, were the club to secure promotion to the Premier League.

If his injury is likely to keep him out longer than a month, The YEP understands Augustin may head back to France to rehabilitate.

But sources suggest the door will not necessarily close on the possibility of a permanent move to Elland Road, should Leeds escape the Championship and regain top-flight status.

The good news for the Whites is that another striker is flying in the club’s mini pre-season.

Tyler Roberts has caught the eye with his physical condition and form in training.

Midfielder Adam Forshaw revealed: “Tyler Roberts looks in great shape.

“I spoke to Stu Dallas and I’d seen Tyler getting into his car and he looked lean and well. Stu said Tyler has been so sharp in training.

“He’s got some ability Tyler. He’s been unfortunate with injuries but he could play a key part couldn’t he in the last nine games.

“He’s a nice footballer. I think now he’s getting fully accustomed to the regime, the demands of the sessions and the manager wants you to play.

“Hopefully I think his body is ready for it now.”

Bielsa has stuck with Bamford for the vast majority of the season in the lone striker role but admitted after Roberts’ pair of goals in a substitute cameo during the win at Hull City, the penultimate game before the season was suspended, that he had been given food for thought.

Bamford then started against Huddersfield and netted the second goal in the 2-0 win, his 13th of the season.