Daniel Farke has stated that both Jaidon Anthony and Jamie Shackleton will miss Leeds United’s game against Stoke City.
In his pre-match press conference on March 4, the German stated that the on-loan Bournemouth winger will be sidelined again for personal reasons.
Shackleton, meanwhile, will “definitely” miss the Stoke visit on Tuesday night (5 March) and the accompanying trip to Sheffield Wednesday on Friday (8 March) due to concussion protocol.
The 24-year-old has played only one minute of Championship football since late October, but he started twice in the FA Cup in January.
Anthony lost his mother earlier this season and has missed a few games for personal reasons.
Daniel Farke is without two Leeds United players as he attempts to bounce back from the Huddersfield tie.
Given the industrial character of the Whites’ 1-1 Saturday match at Huddersfield, it’s a relief that they won’t be missing any additional players.
Farke said Junior Firpo is doubtful due to a calf injury, but he expects Sam Byram to be ready to come in if necessary after missing four games.
The German will undoubtedly expect three points at home against a Stoke team suffering in 22nd place, but the possibility that they will sit back and push Leeds United to break them down will make it difficult.
Shackleton’s role in the league has been negligible in recent weeks, but with two full-backs in danger, his absence would remove a critical piece of insurance.
Anthony has battled for Championship starts this season due to the form of Crysencio Summerville, Dan James, and subsequently Willy Gnonto, although he assisted Mateo Joseph on both of his goals in the 3-2 FA Cup defeat at Chelsea in Tuesday, his fourth cup start of 2024.
With three league games in seven days, it’s not surprising that the manager will rotate the options he has available for what should be a winnable home game on paper.
