Duberry out for eight weeks

Leeds defender Michael Duberry has been ruled out of action for eight weeks after fracturing a cheek bone in the Dublin Tournament against Aston Villa.

The game was just eight minutes old when Duberry was caught in the face by Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel’s boot as the centre-half stooped to head a ball clear.

The former Chelsea defender was taken off immediately and taken to hospital in Dublin for X-rays which showed the fracture.

Peter Reid does have a replacement in Lucas Radebe, who is making good progress in recovering from a minor knee operation, but the former South Africa international will struggle to be fit for Sunday’s season opener against Newcastle.

Club captain Dominic Matteo started the Villa game at left-back but looks certain now to be moved back to centre-half alongside new signing Zoumana Camara.