Farke’s Leeds United agenda includes Ampadu tiredness, a Dallas strategy, and three injuries.
Daniel Farke’s pre-match news conference with Leeds United is today, and here are some of the issues he may be asked about at Thorp Arch.
Daniel Farke will hold a pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. The Leeds United boss will field questions from television, radio, print, and online journalists at Thorp Arch ahead of Saturday’s match against Watford.
Here’s a rundown of some of the important items on the boss’s agenda for today’s training session.
Injury round-up
We know Djed Spence won’t be returning for a few weeks, but Wilfried Gnonto is the major name we’ll be watching for updates on. The Italy international hobbled off the field on Wednesday night with what Farke initially characterized as a foot knock and a rolled ankle.
Patrick Bamford and Stuart Dallas both returned to squad training this week, leaving Junior Firpo as the only name still awaiting a return to the full schedule. Dallas will almost definitely be questioned more given his arduous path back to full training.
How does he replace Rodon?
Joe Rodon’s dismissal proved decisive in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Hull City. The Wales international is set to be suspended tomorrow, but how does Farke plan to replace him?
Is it a simple comeback for captain Liam Cooper, or could right-footed Charlie Cresswell, who was ruled out in midweek, be an option?
Ampadu’s minutes
Archie Gray’s considerable exposure this season as a 17-year-old has produced the majority of Farke’s questions about how they manage the adolescent. His midfield partner, on the other hand, has yet to skip a beat all season.
Ethan Ampadu has a few more miles in his legs than Gray, but with every minute of nine matches on the clock, this could be a time for Farke to ask Ampadu how he’s doing and whether he needs a break at some point.
Ayling’s recovery
Farke noted Luke Ayling’s 32nd birthday the other day, and the vice-captain has played nearly every minute of the first two games of this busy week. The manager was able to get Ayling off the field just before the end of the game on Wednesday, but it’s worth checking in to see how the right-back is doing ahead of Saturday’s encounter.
Any interest in the legion of loanees?
Parent clubs will often pay special attention to the players they have loaned out. This is because young players are typically out on the road wanting to improve and gain valuable playing time.
However, there are a number of players now on loan away from Elland Road who, regardless of what happens this season, may not have much of a future with Leeds. Farke could be pressed on how closely he monitors the progress of his players.
