There will need to be a “late call”.
According to BBC writer Adam Pope, another Leeds United player is now an injury doubt, joining Patrick Bamford, ahead of the Championship playoff final this weekend.
Bamford ruled out of playoff final.
The Whites are preparing for one of the greatest meetings in global sports, when they face Southampton for a spot back in the Premier League, after both were relegated last year.
The two clubs face off at Wembley Stadium on Sunday afternoon in a game that seems exceedingly close to call after they both easily defeated Norwich City and West Brom in the semi-finals. Leeds easily defeated Norwich City in the second leg at Elland Road earlier this month, winning 4-0.
Leeds have been dealt the blow that Bamford will miss the game due to injury, having not played for his club since the 4-3 triumph away to Middlesbrough in April. It is an undeniable disappointment for Daniel Farke, even though his striker has been criticised for massive misses at times, with his experience and quality potentially invaluable in a single moment this weekend.
While Bamford’s absence is the most high-profile piece of news to emerge ahead of the weekend encounter in London, another Whites hero appears to be in question.
Leeds has another injury doubt before Southampton.
Following Farke’s pre-match news conference, BBC reporter Pope revealed that Leeds’ Sam Byram is an injury doubt for the Southampton encounter, perhaps joining Bamford on the sidelines: “Bamford is injured and will not play. I hope Byram is okay, but it will be a late call.
Not having Byram available for such a vital game might be another major worry for Farke, even if the Whites performed admirably without him in the second leg against Norwich.
The 30-year-old recently appeared in the first leg at Carrow Road, when Farke’s side battled to a dismal goalless draw, and he has 34 Championship appearances this season, 25 of which have been starts. The Leeds boss understands the importance of the seasoned defender, as he stated earlier in the campaign:
“I’m glad he was there every second on the field because there was one occasion where we required his experience, quality in this position, and awareness level. He’s pretty significant to us.”
If Byram misses out or is only considered healthy enough to make the substitutes’ bench, Leeds will be likely to field a back four of Archie Gray, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, and Junior Firpo, as they did in the return encounter at home to Norwich.
The Englishman’s versatility means he has performed well at both right-back and left-back this season, so if Gray or Firpo suffer an injury – which ideally will not happen – he will be available to fill in if he is fit. His experience could potentially come in handy late in the game if the Whites are ahead.
