Daniel Farke has delivered an injury update on Leeds United duo Sam Byram and Junior Firpo ahead of Tuesday night’s clash against Middlesbrough at Elland Road.
Byram missed the win over Derby County at Elland Road on Saturday having picked up an injury against Luton Town. The experienced full-back was missing from the defeat to Blackburn and again on Saturday.
The 31-year-old’s absence though, was softened by the return of Junior Firpo from suspension against Blackburn. However, Firpo looked to have picked up a hamstring injury early on against Derby County.
Indeed, the former Barcelona man was substituted on 20 minutes and replaced by Max Wober who was on the score sheet for the first time in a Leeds shirt. The turnaround is quick, with Middlesbrough up next.
Daniel Farke delivers update on Sam Byram and Junior Firpo
Leeds’ injury problems are lessening, despite Firpo’s new issue. Indeed, Ethan Ampadu was back in the squad on Saturday and Ilia Gruev is back on the grass as he looks to return to action in the new year.
Speaking during Monday’s press conference, Farke gave an update on injured duo Byram and Firpo. The chances are that Wober starts his first league game for Leeds since the 4-1 loss to Tottenham in 2023.
He says Byram is back, but bad news regarding £13m Firpo: “Thank god Byram is back in team training, he was back in team training yesterday. So he’s available for this game if he comes the session today.
“Sadly, it is bad news regarding Junior Firpo. It is a serious muscle injury in his hamstring. Doctors expect him to be out for 4-6 weeks. It means he will definitely be out for the festive period, next seven games.”
Daniel Farke also delivers new blow regarding Jayden Bogle
The issues at full-back continue as Farke said that right-back Jayden Bogle has picked up a hamstring knock and while the star could be available to play against Middlesbrough, he is more likely to miss it.
“Most of the players came through without major injuries. There are some question marks around Jayden Bogle. He has felt also some muscle pain and has not been in the sessions in the last few days,” he said.
“It is perhaps more likely that he misses a game than he is available, but we still have a bit of hope and we will make a late decision because he is in really good shape and we would like to have him with us.”
So, the chances are that Max Wober will get his first league start for Leeds since May 2023 at left-back while it will be a toss up between Byram and Isaac Schmidt at right-back, judging by Byram’s fitness.
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