Understandably, given the circumstances surrounding Leeds United’s early kick-off at Luton Town, Daniel Farke’s pre-match press conference focused on a few key talking points.
The main one, of course, being the goalkeeper situation. A dilemma Daniel Farke could ignore no longer.
Speaking ahead of Saturday lunchtimes’s Kenilworth Road clash, Farke confirmed that Illan Meslier will not start between the sticks.
The much-maligned Leeds United number one was at fault arguably for both of Swansea City’s goals last time out – he dropped the ball at the feet of Harry Darling before allowing Zan Vipotnik to equalise in the 96th minute – and, as such, Karl Darlow will take Meslier’s place away at relegation-scrapping Luton.
Yet, despite The Whites dropping yet more points and sparking another stinging Joy Division rendition amongst rival supporters, Farke feels that there are a few positives poking through a blanket of brow-furrowing negativity at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke says Ao Tanaka and Junior Firpo ‘fully fit’ for Leeds United
Farke confirms that Patrick Bamford and Max Wober should be available to return to his matchday squad.
Now, the recovery of an injury-hit striker and a back-up central defender won’t ease the growing concerns that Leeds could, as the song goes, ‘fall apart again’.
But if that Swansea draw brings a premature end to Meslier’s season – one mistake too many from a goalkeeper who previously had Farke’s backing – the head coach feels that Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka and Brenden Aaronson are now well-placed to hit their straps ahead of the final seven games of the league campaign.
“Of course, it was a heartbreaking finish. But also for several players, the last game was pretty beneficial,” Farke says, Firpo and Tanaka returning unhurt from their international commitments with the Dominican Republic and Japan.
“For example, it was good for Junior and for Ao, to not risk them in terms of injuries and to give them a bit more time to recover. I think they are fully fit for selection [to face Luton].”
Tanaka played the final half hour off the bench against Swansea. The midfielder’s first substitute appearance since the turn of the year. Firpo, meanwhile, had started nine Championship games in the space of just six weeks. He too should benefit from a rare break, Sam Byram taking his place last time out.
Brenden Aaronson back on the scoresheet ahead of Luton Town trip
Farke was delighted to see Brenden Aaronson return to the scoresheet too. By the manager’s own admission, Leeds’ USA international had struggled for form in 2025.
But, opening the scoring with less than a minute on the clock versus Alan Sheehan’s side, this broke a seven-game goal drought for a man who – like Meslier – may have been fearing for his place.
“It was good for Brenden Aaronson after a difficult spell,” Farke adds. “I think he was our best offensive player on the pitch, especially in the first half. [Aaronson] scored after 40 seconds. For him, a confidence boost. Important for him.
“Overall, I think [the Swansea game could be important] for many players.”
As recently as late-February, Opta stats gave Leeds United a 95 per cent chance of securing promotion back to the Premier League. Now, following a damaging run of one win in five games, a team glancing nervously over their shoulders at the play-off places are desperate to see the momentum swing back in their direction.
A victory over Luton on Saturday would be a good place to start.
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