Leeds United may have two weeks to reflect on their heartbreaking draw against Sunderland, but the extra time off could allow them to welcome some injured players back to full condition.
Several Leeds players are scheduled to go to represent their various countries in the coming days, and Daniel Farke will be hoping that no one is hurt before the match against Sheffield United.
Leeds were on the verge of a 2-1 victory over Championship leaders Sunderland on Friday night, despite having an incredibly thin team.
Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Manor Solomon, Dan James, and Max Wober were all missing from the Stadium of Light, and if it hadn’t been for Illan Meslier’s late error, they may have picked up a crucial three points.
Leeds looked out of sync in the latter stages on Wearside after a quick turnaround from Tuesday night’s long trip to Norwich City, but they defended admirably to almost seal the victory.
Farke offers Manor Solomon and Dan James injury update
Farke waited until late in the game last night to make any substitutions because he had very few like-for-like replacements on the bench.
Mateo Joseph came on as Leeds’ first substitute in the 76th minute, with Isaac Schmidt and Sam Byram joining in stoppage time to try to close the shop.
Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell had extremely busy weeks following a string of matches in September with little playing experience, so completing 90 minutes was impressive.
Largie Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto also played practically the entire game, despite Farke’s post-Norwich comments about the former’s need to work on his fitness.
However, it appears that Leeds will have some options to shift it out wide in their next encounter against Sheffield United, with Farke hoping that both Solomon and James will be healthy.
Mateo Joseph came on as Leeds’ first substitute in the 76th minute, with Isaac Schmidt and Sam Byram joining in stoppage time to try to close the shop.
Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell had extremely busy weeks following a string of matches in September with little playing experience, so completing 90 minutes was impressive.
Largie Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto also played practically the entire game, despite Farke’s post-Norwich comments about the former’s need to work on his fitness.
However, it appears that Leeds will have some options to shift it out wide in their next encounter against Sheffield United, with Farke hoping that both Solomon and James will be healthy.
He told Leeds Live: “Solomon and James will hopefully return.” Hopefully Wober will return shortly. “Will last a while.”
Solomon’s decision comes after Israel’s call-up.
It has been known for some time that James would not return until after the October international break, and at this point, it appears he is on pace.
However, Solomon’s situation is not nearly the same. Initially, he merely missed the game against Cardiff City due to a back problem. That turned into a hamstring injury.
Solomon had wanted to return for last night’s game, but that did not happen, and he now faces a decision after being nominated to Israel’s newest team.
Solomon, the poster boy for Israeli football, certainly enjoys playing for his country. It would be a horrible look for him to miss four Leeds games in a row before flying overseas to play for Israel.
If he does that and then gets injured, Leeds fans will immediately turn on him, which he does not want.
