Bakke faces long lay-off

Leeds United midfielder Eirik Bakke has been ruled out of action for six to eight weeks after a scan revealed that he has ankle ligament damage.

The Norwegian suffered the injury while playing as an emergency striker against West Ham at Elland Road.

And the ankle was so badly swollen that Bakke had to wait for four days before a scan could be taken.

Leeds boss Terry Venables told the club's website on Thursday: "Eirik has been playing excellently and he looks as if he's enjoying the role he's been given.

"He was really on top of his game, so it's a shame he's twisted his ankle and it doesn't look good."

Fitness boost

On a positive note for Venables, long-time absentees Nick Barmby and David Batty came through a Leeds reserves match unscathed.

And Lucas Radebe could return for Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round clash with Crystal Palace.