Leeds and Preston suffer key injuries

It just shows how important it is to have good depth and cover in your squad. Let's pray we don't get any injuries asbad as these.

LEEDS and Preston are reeling after having key players crocked — by their own team-mates.

Leeds’ new £700,000 signing Kevin Nicholls is sidelined for three months following an accidental training-ground clash with Paul Butler.

The former Luton midfielder damaged knee ligaments in his FIRST training session for the Elland Road club.

And North End’s Youl Mawene was yesterday ruled out for the season, also with knee ligament damage. The defender collided with Brian Stock in Saturday’s friendly with Manchester United.

Preston manager Paul Simpson said: "Losing Youl is a huge blow because he is a major part of the defence I wanted to put together.

"I’m still confident in the players we have but we need experience in the middle of the back four.

"Youl is absolutely distraught.

"To pick up an injury like this at this stage of the season is awful."