Daniel Farke could now have huge Leeds selection issue on Saturday, after post-QPR injury update – opinion

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Leeds United round off a busy run of fixtures with a match against Bristol City on Saturday.

The Whites will be looking to make it back-to-back league wins for the first time in almost a year after beating Queens Park Rangers 1-0 earlier this week.

Daniel Farke made four changes to his starting XI on Wednesday from the side that were beaten at Southampton last weekend, one of which came at right-back.

After two matches on the bench, Luke Ayling returned in place of Jamie Shackleton, who missed out from the matchday squad completely.

Farke confirmed after the match that a shoulder knock picked up in training meant he was unable to feature against QPR, and if that has not recovered in time, it could be a big problem on Saturday.

Farke could have huge issue at left-back

Leeds are already short at left-back as it is, with Junior Firpo continuing to recover from injury and his return set to come after the international break.

Sam Byram has been first choice so far this season but with such a short turnaround between matches, there are huge question marks as to whether he will be able to start again.

If Shackleton is again unavailable and Byram does not recover in time, options are looking seriously sparse.

Pascal Struijk could potentially do a job for one match but he has been brilliant at centre-back and everyone is aware of how he performed as a full-back last season.

Besides that, Ilia Gruev is a natural left footer and may be able to fill in, but again, it is a position that is hugely unfamiliar with him.

Leo Hjelde is the most natural replacement but his lack of involvement in any of the squads post international break make his involvement highly unlikely.

It’s looking like a really tough call.