Daniel Farke delivers injury update as Leeds host Cardiff City in Championship opener

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Daniel Farke has delivered an injury update in his first press conference of the season as Leeds United face Cardiff City at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon – as per the club’s official website – and he has ruled three players out.

Back in the Championship, Leeds will be among the favourites to gain promotion – and secure an instant return to the top flight. Last time Leeds went down, it took the club 16 years to return. But Leeds are better placed this time.

Tyler Adams is expected to be out for the majority of August and if not, longer. The USA captain continues to be in rehab to overcome hamstring surgery. Jack Harrison and Junior Firpo are also said to injuries from last season.

Sam Greenwood has not been seen for a while during pre-season, while Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter are said to have picked up muscle injuries against Hearts. Rumours surfaced on Twitter that Mateo Joseph is out, too.

Speaking on Friday afternoon in his first competitive pre-match press conference, Leeds boss Farke gave an injury update. He said that Bamford will be out until after the first international break, and detailed a blow on Joseph.

“Sadly we have had injuries. Bamford has got a hamstring injury, he won’t return before the first international break. Rutter looks better, got a core injury but will miss Sunday and the next Cup game. Hopefully quickly,” Farke said.

“Mateo Joseph rolled his ankle in training. We feared a lot for that one. It looks better than it was two days ago. He will miss the next three to four weeks. Ligament damage, but surgery not needed – but he will miss the next games.”

Daniel Farke delivers injury update as Leeds face Cardiff at Elland Road

So, a massive blow. Bamford was expected – but perhaps for not as long as Farke has confirmed. A real blow after he scored against Forest and had started to regain sharpness. Rutter too, but he will be out for only two games.

The injury to Joseph highlights the club’s need to bring in a striker. Bamford cannot be relied upon. Rutter is better out wide than being a striker and that leaves Joseph and Joe Gelhardt. But Joseph will now be out until September.