Daniel Farke is concerned about many players’ fitness for Leeds United’s encounter against Watford tomorrow.When the game at Vicarage Road begins, it will have been 12 days since Leeds last played, although Farke has undoubtedly suffered more consequences from the international break than benefits.
Farke has added three more players to the injury list following their performances this week with their respective countries, adding to the uncertainty already surrounding both Georginio Rutter and Junior Firpo.
The first was Connor Roberts, who hobbled off during Wales’ play-off final loss to Poland in the 84th minute. Willy Gnonto and Ilia Gruev are both rumored to have complained about problems when they returned.
Leeds will be severely short at the back, a position in which they have been so comfortable lately, if all five of the aforementioned players are unable to make it.
Leeds has only allowed three goals in 13 games since the start of the New Year, and none of those goals have come from open play. It has served as the foundation for their amazing run of form.
For Leeds vs. Watford, Farke just cannot end one relationship.
Sam Byram would step in and take Firpo’s spot without any issues if he were to miss out. Regardless of Roberts’ fitness, Archie Gray was always going to start at right-back.
But Gruev’s absence might have a bigger effect on Leeds’ lineup since it would force Gray or Ethan Ampadu to play in the middle of the field.
Despite the fact that those are both of their ideal places, switching would leave a huge void in one of the back positions. While Jamie Shackleton and Liam Cooper are both available, none is as good as the current starters.
That would give Farke a serious headache because there is just no way he can afford to split up Ampadu and Joe Rodon’s center-back combination.
The two Welshmen have just been extremely effective while playing together, and it would seriously disrupt the team’s rhythm to separate them now when the season is still early.
They still have plenty of time to heal fully because Farke held his press conference more than 48 hours before the match.
It appears highly doubtful that Roberts will be able to participate given the manner he hobbled off, but as for the other two, perhaps they have only sustained minor injuries and are ready to play.
Because of the distance they had to go, Leeds might not have even had time to fully analyze any of them, but this is what Farke had to say yesterday.
“There are some additional concerns. Roberts hobbled off. I hope it’s not too serious, but let’s face it, if you hobble off, you’re usually not available two days later,” he said.
“Willy Gnonto also mentioned experiencing some hamstring issues following his game. After the Bulgarian game, Ilia Gruev reported having ankle ligament problems; these are questionable.
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