INJURIES and illness have taken a firm hold on Leeds United just like the winter weather has gripped the United Kingdom.

The treatment room is fuller than ever despite the World Cup break, so squad players are likely to get a run out when the Whites take on top Spanish outfit Real Sociedad in tomorrow night's Elland Road friendly (7.45pm).

The San Sebastian-based club will be a major test for the Whites as they sit third in La Liga, behind only Barcelona and Real Madrid.

They will certainly be tougher than United’s recent run-out against Elche, who are bottom of La Liga without a league win.

United’s five-day training camp in Elche last week was certainly not without its problems even though they beat the locals 2-1.

United’s three World Cup stars – Denmark’s Rasmus Kristensen and USA duo Tyler Adams and Brenden Christensen – did not make the trip.

Others missing from the party included Patrick Bamford and goalkeepers Illan Meslier and Kristoffer Klaesson.

Striker Bamford has had minor surgery in Munich on a groin problem, the latest in a series of injury issues which have checked his career.

French Under-21 international Meslier has glandular fever and fellow goalkeeper Klaesson is laid low by a virus.

Luis Sinisterra (foot) did travel to continue his rehabilitation while Junior Firpo (groin) only returned to training this week.

Diego Llorente has broken a bone in his hand which required surgery and fellow defender Robin Koch has been struggling with a calf and Achilles problem. Neither of them featured against Elche.

Things got worse during the match with in-form Crysencio Summerville limping off early on and United finished the match with 10 men as Sonny Perkins had to withdraw with a calf injury.

On a brighter note, midfielder Adam Forshaw returned to action after a hernia problem which has restricted him to just 50 minutes of senior football this season.

With Adams suspended, Forshaw will be one of the candidates to take the American skipper’s place when Leeds resume their Premier League action against Manchester City on Wednesday, December 28 (8pm).

It is also hoped that broken leg victim Stuart Dallas will start light training either at the end of the month or early January.

With so many players doubtful, it looks as though Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch will hand appearances to his fringe players.

Leeds fans could get their first glimpse of keeper Joel Robles at Elland Road. Robles joined the Whites in August from Real Betis and was in fine form against Elche.

Although nowhere near their best, Leeds came from behind to beat Elche with goals from Joe Gelhardt and Mateusz Klich, the latter being linked with a move to the MLS in January.

It meant Leeds came home with the Festa d’Elx Trophy, the annual friendly competition which Elche have hosted since 1960.