Leeds United ace Junior Firpo's long-term injury could not have come at a worse time because he has been deprived of a 'fresh start' under Jesse Marsch, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Marsch was appointed as the Whites' head coach at the end of last month, but it appears he will be unable to call upon Firpo for the foreseeable future.

What's the latest news involving Firpo?

Firpo started both of Marsch's first two games in charge against Leicester City and Aston Villa but was stretchered off in the latter with a serious-looking injury.

The Athletic's Leeds correspondent Phil Hay has hinted that Leeds fans should not expect to see the 25-year-old in action for some time as he claimed Firpo is 'going to be out for a little while with this knee injury by the sounds of things'.

LeedsLive have revealed Firpo's season could already be over as the full-back may have sustained medial collateral ligament damage.

The report suggests Firpo, who joined in a £13million deal from La Liga giants Barcelona last summer, is set to be on the sidelines for a number of months.

Firpo has made 23 appearances since linking up with the Yorkshire outfit, contributing a solitary assist in the process.

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What has Dean Jones said about Firpo?

Jones believes Firpo's injury will have come as a huge blow to the left-back as it means he is missing out on valuable time to show Marsch what he can offer.

The transfer insider has been underwhelmed by the Dominican Republic-born left-back since swapping the Nou Camp for Elland Road.

He feels being made to watch on from the sidelines has deprived Firpo of the opportunity to ensure he is at the forefront of Marsch's thinking heading into the American's first full season at the helm.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "He hasn't been brilliant this season. He's been frustrating people at times, but this was an opportunity for him to have a fresh start."

Could Firpo be surplus to requirements under Marsch?

Marsch was drafted in as Marcelo Bielsa's successor just 24 hours after the Argentinian was sacked and the 48-year-old could look to bolster the squad he inherited when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson has claimed Firpo would have lost his place in the Whites' starting line-up even if he had not suffered an injury against Aston Villa because he had failed to impress in the 3-0 defeat.

Ex-Premier League striker Kevin Phillips has alleged the former Spain under-21 international may have already made his final appearance for his current employers as Marsch could seek an upgrade ahead of next season.