Championship table-toppers Leeds United will still be without Max Wober and captain Ethan Ampadu for Saturday’s trip at Queens Park Rangers.
And after Leeds edged past Millwall on Wednesday night – leapfrogging Sheffield United at the summit and putting that frustrating loss at Portsmouth behind them – Daniel Farke suggested Joe Rothwell could be a doubt for the visit to West London.
Rothwell ran the show as Leeds got back to winning ways against Alex Neil’s side. Starting for only the second Championship game in seven, the Bournemouth loanee dictated proceedings while giving Leeds United a much-needed cutting edge versus a Millwall side defending deep and in numbers.
Yet, Rothwell exited proceedings just before the start of stoppage time after feeling some stiffness in his knee.
Farke was only too happy to confirm, then, that all of the players who featured for Leeds on Wednesday night are likely to be available for Saturday’s early kick-off too.
That includes Rothwell, although the German must still decide whether to start arguably the club’s best ball-carrying midfielder or instead introduce the more combative Ilia Gruev in his place.
Joe Rothwell and Isaac Schmidt available for Leeds United vs QPR
Leeds are also expected to have Isaac Schmidt available. The Swiss full-back returned to training on Thursday.
Farke also admits that Schmidt was left out of the roster for Millwall because of illness, rather than injury.
“What I can say is that there is no injury concern,” Farke smiles. “And more or less each and every player who was with us yesterday seems to be available, at least for the squad.
“Isaac Schmidt, for the last game, he felt unwell. That was the reason why he was not involved in the squad.
“He was back in training today. He could also be a topic for [the QPR game] as well. As it stands, I hope I will have more or less the whole group to pick from, plus Isaac Schmidt, for the travelling squad.”
The visit to Marti Cifuentes’ Queens Park Rangers outfit will complete a run of three games in six days for Leeds.
There were certainly a few telltale signs of fatigue against Millwall and Portsmouth – even the lightning Dan James appeared short on speed – and it remains to be seen if Farke feels the need to rotate his starting XI a little against a side who hammered Leeds 4-0 upon their last visit to Loftus Road in April.
Farke planning for late decisions as Leeds face quick turnaround
Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani will hope to start after being limited to a bit-part role recently. Ditto Mateo Joseph.
Farke spoke of Ilia Gruev’s importance a few days ago, meanwhile. The Bulgarian is often so effective in difficult away games like the one Leeds face this weekend.
“This turnaround is a bit more tricky than the last turnaround. We had more or less 80 hours to recover [after playing Portsmouth],” Farke explains. “This time around, its just over 60 hours. Also, travelling is involved of course.
“I think we will pick the starting XI for this game very late. Tomorrow evening or, perhaps, on the morning of the game. So some very late decisions.”
“Sometimes [the medical staff] they give warnings but normally I ignore it and pick the team anyway! But I wouldn’t do anything stupid. I totally trust the medical team. But is it up to me to make the decision so it is just me to blame.”
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