Daniel Farke looks set to have a strong squad at his disposal for Leeds United’s clash with Sheffield United at Elland Road.
Tonight’s Yorkshire derby represents the return of club football following a two-week international break, which handed Farke the opportunity to give his Leeds squad some time off.
That said, Leeds have had plenty of players away representing their respective countries, some of which did not get back until the last 24 – 48 hours.
Ao Tanaka, Mateo Joseph, Charlie Crew, Wilfried Gnonto, Junior Firpo and Brenden Aaronson all had matches over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday, though Joseph was rested by Spain U21s.
It does appear each of Leeds’ internationals have returned to Thorp Arch with a clean bill of health, though, which is welcome respite for Farke on the injury front.
Farke makes Manor Solomon, Dan James and Aaronson decisions
Of Leeds’ plethora of internationals, Aaronson is one with the most doubt hanging over him. He played 90 minutes for the USA in Mexico earlier this week, a game which did not finish until around 5.30am BST on Wednesday morning.
Farke was asked about USA’s use of Aaronson in his press conference on Wednesday but did suggest his strong base level of fitness would mean he is available. Whether from the start or off the bench, is yet to be decided.
However, Farke had not actually seen Aaronson since his game for USA when he spoke to the press and so anything he said was dependent on him returning healthy.
And according to Leeds Live, Aaronson has done exactly that, as he has been named in Farke’s squad to take on Sheffield United.
He will be joined by fellow attacking stars Manor Solomon and Dan James, who have missed four and six games respectively due to injury.
Farke confirmed both were back in training and have clearly shown enough for them to play apart at Elland Road this evening.
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Every word Farke said about Aaronson’s fitness ahead of Leeds vs Sheffield United
Aaronson has become a big part of Leeds’ side since his decision to return in the summer and due to the lack of out-and-out number 10s in the squad, could be needed tonight.
Particularly with a midfield of Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell, Aaronson’s work-rate could be needed in that midfield. Farke does seem tempted to start him.
He said: “Of course I would have wished that he [Aaronson] did not play 90 minutes. But what can we do, we adapt to the situation. It’s the right of the national country to play him as much as they want.
“For Mauricio [Pochettino] it’s his first int’l break, although it was just a friendly it was an important game they wanted to win. It’s also a sign of trust that we’ve done something right and Brenden has done something right that he wanted him to play the whole 93 minutes.
“I also totally understand every manager in his first days in charge to be there with the best possible results. A bit selfish for us, I would have wished less minutes and less load. The good thing with Brenden is he’s on a top fitness level and pretty sure we can involve him on Friday.
“The question is how long. We make a late decision in these terms once he’s back and we’ve assessed him. No accusations, every coach wants to be successful. More credit to our work that he has this role, it says a lot about his development.”
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