Daniel Farke could have two injured Leeds United players returning for Derby County.
Leeds United are prepared for a key home double-header in their quest to return to the Premier League. Derby County and Middlesbrough visit Elland Road in quick succession, hoping to undermine the Whites’ title hopes.
A disastrous performance at Blackburn Rovers has prompted some United fans to question Daniel Farke’s team selection and tactics. It was a very off day.
However, Farke has the highest victory percentage (55.4%) of any coach to manage more than ten matches in the club’s history. The defeat at Ewood Park was only their third of the season. Despite reservations about their away form, the Whites remain firmly in contention for automatic promotion.
Following their 1-0 loss in Lancashire, United manager Farke allayed any injury concerns over Joe Rodon. Here’s a look at who’s now in the Thorp Arch treatment room and when they might be able to return to action:
Sam Byram
The experienced full-back was absent from the matchday squad at the weekend due to a hamstring issue sustained shortly before the hour mark in their home victory against Luton Town. Austrian international Max Wober filled in at left back as the Whites won 3-0.
Junior Firpo replaced Byram at left-back against Rovers, but struggled on his return from a three-match suspension.
Possible squad return: Derby County (h) on December 7
Isaac Schmidt
The summer signing had minor hernia surgery during the international break. Schmidt has missed the games against Swansea City, Luton, and Blackburn.
The defender was scheduled to return to training last week. Schmidt has only appeared four times from the bench in the Championship since going to England, owing to the battle for spots at full back. Schmidt said in an interview with Switzerland’s 20 Minuten, via Sport Witness, that he knows he needs to take a step forward and battle for his place. Nothing is ever guaranteed in football.”
Possible squad return: Derby County (h) on December 7
Ethan Ampadu
The club captain was ruled out of squad selection until 2025 after damaging a lateral knee ligament in late September at home to Coventry City, despite the fact that the injury did not require surgery. When asked about Ampadu’s comeback from injury last month, Farke said: “We would love to have him back, but we will not push it. This was a serious injury. He’s a little ahead, but let’s see how things progress. It is usually tough to say.
“You have to extend the load on a daily basis, and there may be times when you need to be cautious and take a break. It’s rare that I’ve ever had a simple rehab.
“So far, each day it was better and it looks really good, but it’s too soon to judge when he can help us again.”
Possible squad return: Blackburn Rovers (home) – January 1.
Ilya Gruev
Only a few days after his midfield teammate suffered a knee injury, Gruev joined Ampadu on the sidelines with a more serious knee condition. The Bulgarian international suffered a serious meniscus injury in the 1-1 draw at Norwich City, with the club estimating a recovery time of months rather than weeks.
Bulgaria’s Ilian Iliev later provided more perspective on how they perceived it at the national level, saying: “At first, we assumed the meniscus was not harmed and would recover in a month.
“It turned out to be the worst, about five months will be the recovery and he will return, alive and well, for the World [Cup] qualifications.”
Possible squad return: Millwall (home) – March 12
