Why Adam Forshaw was absent from Leeds' squad to face Watford

An explanation for the surprise absence of Adam Forshaw from Leeds United's matchday squad to face Watford has been provided on Saturday evening.

Jesse Marsch's troops marked their return to action a short time ago, making the trip to Vicarage Road for a crucial fixture amid the battle against relegation from the Premier League.

Midfielder Forshaw, however, having played an increasingly important role in Leeds' setup over recent weeks, was alarmingly nowhere to be seen.

Speaking on the back of the action coming to a close in Hertfordshire, Jesse Marsch was therefore inevitably drawn on the whereabouts of his midfield star.

And the American tactician went on to reveal that Forshaw was ruled out of proceedings owing to a calf problem, albeit with the 30-year-old expected to return to training in short order:

Raphinha amongst the goals

Forshaw's absence, of course, in the end had little negative impact for Saturday's visitors to Vicarage Road, as Leeds impressed once more under the watch of new boss Marsch.

Goals on the part of all of Raphinha, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison ultimately culminated in the Peacocks emerging on the right side of a 3-0 scoreline, to take another significant step towards top-flight survival.

Leeds now sit a full nine points clear of the relegation zone, albeit having played out three games more than Burnley in 18th.

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