Daniel Farke has a last-minute decision to make on Leeds player, three ways he could be replaced

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Daniel Farke says a decision will be made on defender Sam Byram at the last minute – in Friday’s press conference, as per Leeds United’s YouTube – but if he can’t play, here’s three ways he can be replaced.

Byram, 30, has been exceptional for Leeds since joining on a free transfer. Solid defensively, having an impact in the final third – scoring against Watford. Byram has arguably been out best summer signing.

In terms of, money paid – given, he was a free agent. But his injury record means he is still needing to be looked after, having played 90 minutes on Wednesday night. Farke says there is a late decision needed.

“We’ll make a late decision with him, he came through the game alright. There were a few knocks and we’ll make a late decision,” Farke said. But if he can’t play, here are three ways he can be replaced.

Three ways Daniel Farke can replace Leeds defender Sam Byram

Jamie Shackleton, out of position

The 24-year-old has been used on the left side of defence. The new Stuart Dallas – with the elder still injured, along with Junior Firpo. He has not played a single minute since September, at Southampton.

But he is more than capable of playing at left-back and has done this season. It is probably the most-likely scenario should Farke rule Byram is unable to play – meaning it does not disrupt any other players.

Pascal Struijk to left-back, Liam Cooper comes in

Struijk played the whole first half of last season, under Jesse Marsch, on the left side of defence. This season, he has been a mainstay in the middle of the back four, even captaining Leeds in the last three.

It would be a shame if Struijk has to leave his current post to cover Leeds but he is probably a better player at left-back than Shackleton. Liam Cooper would come into the side, if Struijk goes to left-back.

Ilia Gruev in new role

Gruev made his full start for Leeds on Wednesday night. For Bulgaria, Gruev has often played as a left-sided centre-back. His defensive mind, and his left foot, has seen him drop back into the defence.

Whether Farke decides to play him in a somewhat unnatural position, remains to be seen. The £4m man did struggle against Stoke, looking as though he had been caught like a rabbit in the headlights.