Daniel Farke has disclosed that three of Leeds United’s first-choice players are nursing “a few knocks” ahead of their game against Watford on Tuesday.
Speaking to Beren Cross following his side’s FA Cup exit to Millwall with a 2-0 fourth-round defeat at Elland Road, Farke stated that two players missing from the matchday squad were not at risk.
The German made ten changes for Saturday’s game, with Ethan Ampadu the only player who remained from Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Coventry City, and the result was a disjointed performance in Leeds.
Daniel James and Joe Rodon were two of the regulars missing from the matchday roster, while Joel Piroe came on as a late substitute, with Mateo Joseph starting up front in his stead.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has confirmed injuries to important players James and Rodon, as well as Piroe, who was limited to a late cameo in the game.
Farke did not say whether the knocks occurred during the Whites’ victory over Coventry or during training, but he did say he hopes the trio would be fit and firing at Vicarage Road on Tuesday.
According to Cross (8 February), Farke stated, “[Joe] Rodon and [Daniel] James had knocks.” Not completely recovered. Nothing foolish today.
“Joel Piroe, some knocks. It makes no sense to risk anything today. [We] hope to have them back by Tuesday.
Daniel Farke’s fingers crossed ahead of Watford vs Leeds United
Missing Rodon at Vicarage Road would be a concern, but doable; missing James would still provide Farke with plenty of options, while missing Piroe would require the German to reshuffle up front.
However, having all three of his key players missing in Hertfordshire may be disastrous as United attempt to extend their Championship winning streak to three games.
Piroe coming off the bench late against Millwall suggests that his injury is significantly less serious than James and Rodon’s, which is excellent news for Farke after Joseph’s terrible performance at Elland Road.
The Spaniard sprinted hard but failed to pose a threat in the final third, highlighting the gap between Piroe and his deputy’s current condition.
Furthermore, Wilfried Gnonto’s performance was underwhelming, as he played a costly role in Millwall’s opening, while Ampadu also had an unexpectedly weak defensive performance.
Having Rodon, James, and Piroe in defence, attack, and midfield has worked well for United in recent weeks, and Farke will be hoping to call on the trio again in three days.
