Leeds United won 4-3 at Middlesbrough in their first game back following a nine-day break.
The longer period of relaxation and rehabilitation could not have come at a better time for Leeds, who had only managed five points in as many games since returning from the international break.
With Leicester City beating West Brom and Ipswich Town out of action, Leeds knew that three points would suffice at the Riverside, and they got them after a tense match.
After a fruitless spell for Leeds’ strikers, Crysencio Summerville (2), Patrick Bamford, and Willy Gnonto all scored. Their comeback to form couldn’t have happened at a better moment.
Daniel Farke will be concerned about what transpired at the other end, where Illan Meslier put up a poor performance between the sticks.
BBC analyst Jon Newsome is furious at what the EFL has done to Leeds this week.
Leeds, on the other hand, will have little time to celebrate their victory at the Riverside because they have a short turnaround before their next game against Queens Park Rangers.
Leeds was originally slated to have a six-day break between the two games, but that has been reduced to three days due to Sky Sports’ decision to broadcast both matches.
At this point in the season, when knocks, bumps, and bruises are common, that type of rest is not ideal. However, Leeds does have the advantage of being able to exert pressure on people around them.
However, speaking on BBC Radio Leeds’ post-match broadcast on Monday, pundit Jon Newsome says it is ‘disgusting’ that Farke’s side has such little time between games.
He stated, “It’s difficult; as we mentioned before the game, you’re damned if you, damned if you don’t [make changes] sometimes as a manager. If he hadn’t made any modifications and someone was injured, wouldn’t he be at fault again?
“I understand it; it is preservation. He has one eye on Friday, as we all know; Leeds fans sang it, and the fact that we play on Monday and Friday is awful.
“Everyone else is playing Saturday-Saturday, but we have a tremendous turnaround away to Boro, then away to London. Lots of travel simply because it has to be on TV. Poor.”
Dan James could miss Leeds United’s trip to QPR
Dan James, who came on as a substitute in the final 10 minutes, sustained what may be a season-ending injury at Boro.
Though Leeds will not have had time to scan the 26-year-old, he could scarcely move in stoppage time, clutching his ribs and core.
Leeds are already without Connor Roberts for Friday’s meeting, and with such a short turnaround, James will have no time to recover and be available. Farke did not seem optimistic after the encounter.
He stated, “Not so much Joe Rodon, just a hit on his leg. Daniel James is more concerned since it could affect his core muscle. If it’s a significant injury, that’s bad news.
