Ahead of Leeds United's momentous Yorkshire derby at home to Hull City tomorrow afternoon, United head coach Thomas Christiansen has today conducted his preliminary news conference at Thorp Arch.

Leeds United head coach Thomas Christiansen has today fielded questions from the assembled media ahead of United's critical Championship clash at home to Hull City tomorrow.

In the event of a home victory, United would be propelled into the play-off positions regardless of whatever the final outcome of the match between fellow play-off aspirants Aston Villa and Sheffield United at Villa Park may be.

With Leeds ravenous for further invaluable points in their bid for play-off qualification, the information divulged by Christiansen in today's press conference will doubtless be a boost to the optimism of United supporters ahead of tomorrow's fixture - which is set to be contested in front of a near-capacity crowd at Elland Road.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post today, Christiansen confirmed that the German striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga, who is presently on loan to Leeds from Hamburger SV until the season's end, is available for selection.

The 44-year-old made the revelation when quizzed about the state of his squad ahead of the visit of Hull.

"Pierre will be in, but not yet for Stuart," said Christiansen.

“I’m worried because he is a good player but I have other players that I can take. It’s not serious but for a few weeks we will have to wait. A few weeks will be January."

Christiansen was then asked about who United's first-choice striker would now be, following Caleb Ekuban's sustaining of another foot injury away to QPR and Kemar Roofe's scoring of a hat-trick in the same match.

In response, Christiansen said: “I believe of course that he didn’t have the possibility to compete in games but he had been on the pitch.

“He will be ready for the game tomorrow and we will see the situation, if he will come in or not. But at least he is with the team and that is important.

“Right now there is no first choice - they have to win it in the training and in the games. I will decide after that.”

Lasogga, who has scored five goals in ten appearances for Leeds this season, last sported the white of United in the team's 3-1 defeat to Brentford on November 4.

Photo: Action Images

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