Charlton vs Leeds United: Neil Redfearn shocked as 6 players rule themselves out of Addicks clash

Leeds United have reportedly been shocked by yet another controversy after six foreign players suddenly ruled themselves out of contention just hours before their trip to Charlton

According to the Mirror, manager Neil Redfearn was shocked with this development as he thought that they were all fit for selection after they trained without any issues on Thursday.

But, the report claims that, just before the coach was to depart for Charlton, the sextet, Marco Silvestri, Giuseppe Bellusci, Mirco Antenucci, Dario Del Fabro, Edgar Cani and Souleymane Doukara all ruled themselves out of the clash citing injuries.

This has put the Championship club manager's plans in disarray, as he tries to arrest the current slump that has seen the Yorkshire club lose their last four fixtures.

Leeds have been embroiled in controversies on and off the pitch since Italian Massimo Cellino's reign and this episode of events, which has also seen the sudden sacking of Redfearn's assistant Steve Thompson in recent months.

Cellino is currently suspended from taking part in the day-to-day activities at the club, but that hasn't stopped the string of rows that has seen the fans become frustrated with the club management.

Meanwhile, the manager is looking ahead to the clash against Charlton on 18 April, and has admitted that his preferred formation in the Championship is a 4-4-2, but understands that it is not possible with the squad at his disposal.

"Because we are so young in midfield, because we lack the experience to open out and be a four, maybe we have to be the five and come from a solid base," Redfearn said, as quoted by the Yorkshire Post.

"It has stood us in good stead in terms of picking up results. In an ideal world, I would love to play 4-4-2. It is what the Championship is about."

"You have got to utilise the players you have got – and get results with the players you have got," the Leeds boss explained.