Leeds United attackers Patrick Bamford, Dan James and Joe Gelhardt are all doubts for the game against Plymouth Argyle, Daniel Farke has said.
Leeds United have had an encouraging start to the season, having only been beaten by Burnley thus far. They will be confident of continuing this form against Wayne Rooney’s struggling Plymouth Argyle outfit.
Rooney’s side sit in 21st place in the Championship table on 12 points. They are just one place and a single point above the drop zone.
Daniel Farke’s side meanwhile can overtake Burnley and jump into the automatic promotion spots with a win against the Pilgrims if the Clarets drop points.
Leeds United drew 0-0 last time out against Bristol City at Ashton Gate. That result came on the back of consecutive Elland Road victories against Watford and Sheffield United.
That draw with the Robins saw the Whites reshuffle their defence to accommodate the absence of left-back Junior Firpo due to rotting up five yellow cards. His replacement was Sam Byram, who performed admirably at left-back.
Now, speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Farke gave a rundown on injury issues affecting his Leeds United squad with ‘a few question marks’ cropping up. Those are regarding Joe Gelhardt, Patrick Bamford and Dan James, with Farke explaining:
“Joffy [Gelhardt] got a hip contusion in training, so late decision with him and two question marks behind Daniel James and Patrick Bamford. Daniel James with some problems with his hamstring again and Patrick with his adductor.
“They missed training yesterday. They were both involved today in a light session but the final assessment is tomorrow when we have our light session and we’ll make a decision.
“It depends how they come through the session.”
Better news comes from Austrian international Max Wober. The defender is back in light training with Farke admitting he could ‘deliver a few minutes’ but that he is unlikely to risk him.
Selection hint dropped
After deputising for an absent Firpo, many would think Sam Byram would likely make way for the returning Dominican international. However, Leeds United boss Farke dropped a big hint about the academy graduate in his pre-Plymouth Argyle presser.
“Sam Byram is a key player,” he said.
“He is so important with his experience and
, also in the training pitch and dressing room. If I need a player at right-back, left-back, centre-back or even midfield I can pick him. He had everything under control under defence.”
Speaking like this, it could be that Byram slides across to right-back to cover Jayden Bogle’s absence due to him picking up his 5th yellow of the season against Bristol City.
This would mean that summer signing Isaac Schmidt would yet again miss out as Farke goes with more experienced choices.
A winnable Elland Road game
There is no such thing as a cert of a game when it comes to Championship football. Any side can beat any other side on their day, but Leeds United must be favourites for all three points here.
As per WhoScored data, the Whites are averaging over 17 shots per game at Elland Road. 12 goals on home turf place them above their xG of 11.49.
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