Daniel Farke certainly has some selection headaches going into Leeds United’s trip to Watford on Friday.
The Whites may well have had 12 days since their last game by the time they kick off at Vicarage Road, but it is fair to say the international break has not been too kind to them.
Farke confirmed in his press conference earlier today that Connor Roberts, Willy Gnonto and Ilia Gruev are all doubtful heading into the game after reporting back from international duty with problems.
Roberts had to be replaced in the 84th minute for Wales with a thigh injury, while Gnonto and Gruev have complaints over hamstring and ankle issues respectively.
That has only added to the fitness concerns Farke already has, with Pascal Struijk now ruled out for the season, and both Georginio Rutter and Junior Firpo doubtful.
Farke did deliver a promising update on Rutter but Firpo is still not due back at Thorp Arch until tomorrow having only finished international action for the Dominican Republic in the early hours of this morning in Peru.
Farke confirms 30-year-old is ready to start if needed for Leeds
The logistics of Firpo’s time with the Dominican, as well as the tight turnaround to Good Friday, makes it highly unlikely he will be ready to start at Watford.
With Roberts now looking set to be out as well, that leaves Leeds looking extremely stretched at the back and so Farke was asked about the prospect of Sam Byram starting in his pre-match press conference.
Byram has struggled with injuries of his own this season, but according to Farke, he will be ready if called upon, having spent the last two weeks training with the squad.
He said: “Sam was with us last two weeks so he is prepared if I need him but it’s too early to speak about. Under normal circumstances, Junior wouldn’t be possible to start the game because he played in the early hours of this morning.
“Due to the time difference he’s back late morning tomorrow but I can’t rule out anything at the moment because we have to wait for the assessment.”
Predicted Leeds XI to face Watford
It will certainly be interesting to see how Farke sets his XI up at Vicarage Road amid all the injury updates he provided earlier today.
Thankfully Leeds do have another 48 hours to recover ahead of the game, which will hopefully give the likes of Gnonto and Gruev enough time to get themselves fit.
In the worst case scenario and none of Gnonto, Gruev, Rutter, Firpo or Roberts make it, Leeds’ side could have a real different look to it from the one that defeated Millwall last time out.
Jamie Shackleton and Liam Cooper could both come into contention, opening up the possibility for one of Ethan Ampadu or Archie Gray to move into midfield.
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