Snodgrass not out for as long as first feared

The Scot, 22, was stretchered off in last week's friendly against SK Brann in Norway and has since been sent for two scans.

It was feared Snodgrass was facing several months out of action but the second scan has left manager Simon Grayson convinced his player's absence will instead only be a matter of weeks.

The United chief said: "Contrary to reports, Robert Snodgrass's injury is not as bad as first feared.

"As ever, we don't put timescales on things but we expect to have him back sooner rather than later."

Despite the encouraging prognosis, Snodgrass's injury still means Leeds will kick off the new season without three of their most influential players due to Patrick Kisnorbo (Achilles) being out until Christmas and Billy Paynter having an injured shin sustained at the start of pre-season.

In United's friendly against Wolves, Grayson adopted a 4-3-2-1 formation with Max Gradel and Lloyd Sam getting forward in supportof frontman Luciano Becchio as the Premier League side were beaten 3-1.

However, due to Gradel being suspended for the first four games, United are expected to bring in an attacking player ahead of facing Derby County on Saturday.