Leeds United are back in action just a few days after Saturday’s failure to beat Luton Town, facing a tricky trip to Middlesbrough on Tuesday night and Daniel Farke has been speaking to reporters.
Leeds failed to beat Luton on Saturday afternoon though they did come from behind to win a point as Dan James netted his 11th goal of the season and cancelled out Luton’s opener from Isaiah Jones.
Had Leeds been in good form and won matches previously, an away point against a physical Luton side in good form might have been a solid result. But, Leeds have drawn three in a row, winning one in six.
It has seen a five-point lead at the top of the Championship table disappear, with Burnley now top and two clear of Leeds. Sheffield United’s loss to Oxford United means they sit in second, a point in front.
Daniel Farke gives injury update ahead of Middlesbrough clash
Leeds now go to a Middlesbrough side in good form. Michael Carrick has guided Boro to fifth place in the table after a poor run of form in mid-season, winning five of the last seven Championship matches.
Speaking on Monday, Farke has confirmed that Joe Rothwell will remain sidelined and is unlikely to be available until the last two games. Farke also confirms Pascal Struijk will miss the next two, at least.
“We still have a training session a few minutes after this press conference, we have on or two question marks. One is Joe Rothwell, calf injury, he will definitely be out this week and probably the easter week.
“If he could come back earlier it will be a bonus. Realistically, he will be back for the last two games. Pascal Struijk got a knock on his foot, and will be out for this week – there is a fear that he has a little fracture.
“He will definitely be out for the next two games. If he has a fracture, he will be out for the rest of the season. His season would be over for him but we need further assessment before we can confirm that.
“Mateo Joseph is back in training after his illness.”
What happens to Daniel Farke’s starting XI now with Struijk out
Struijk’s absence means the likelihood is that Ethan Ampadu will drop into the middle of the defence. Farke suggested James Debayo, Josuha Guilavogui, Sam Byram and Max Wober as centre-back options.
But, Farke will want to avoid Debayo and Guilavogui playing while Byram is naturally a full-back and Wober is only just back after a few months out. It is expected that Ampadu now drops into defence.
A blow, because Rothwell will be missing too – limiting Leeds’ main four midfield options by two. It means Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev are expected to start in midfield against Middlesbrough at The Riverside.
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