Richardson was given the captaincy by former manager Gary McAllister

Leeds United are sweating on the fitness of captain Frazer Richardson.

The 26-year-old defender was forced from the field with a thigh injury in Saturday's 2-0 win at Brighton.

Manager Simon Grayson told BBC Radio Leeds: "He pulled his thigh running back to defend and we are concerned about it.

"It's a shame because he was playing well. Hopefully it should settle down and he won't be out for too long. But at least we have cover for him now."

Leeds gave debuts to loanee defenders Richard Naylor and Carl Dickinson at the Withdean Stadium and their arrivals, from Ipswich and Stoke respectively, coincided with United's first clean sheet in 14 games.

Grayson added: "Carl and Richard were outstanding and I think the other guys in the back four responded to that.

606: DEBATE I think Naylor has brought a bit of confidence back to the defence. Hope we can keep him for longer than a month BradfordWhiteLUFC

"These two have been there and done it, they have the experience and leadership and that really showed."

Grayson also has early doubts over strikers Robert Snodgrass and Jermaine Beckford for Saturday's home clash Peterborough United.

Snodgrass has an ankle problem and Beckford is battling back from a hamstring injury, which forced both to miss the Brighton win.

Meanwhile, Leeds have released defender Mansour Assoumani after only one-month with the club.

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