Sonny Perkins was missing from Leeds United’s squad that suffered defeat to Birmingham City last weekend and Daniel Farke has responded to a question about Perkins in his latest press conference.
The 19-year-old was a late sub in the 2-2 draw with Cardiff. He was an unused sub against Shrewsbury Town and despite Farke only naming eight subs against Birmingham, Perkins was nowhere to be seen.
However, it emerged that the England U19 man was actually unwell. Now likely to be available ahead of Friday night’s clash against West Brom, Perkins will be hoping to make his 5th senior Leeds appearance.
Farke was asked about the attacker, who is now in his second year at Leeds. He replied by saying he is not going to simply pick a player if there are spaces in the team, if he has not performed in training.
“He’s available if I pick him. Each player has the chance to shine in training. To show he’s ready. I pick players who convince me in training, show performances at the level that we need for the championship.
“Just because there are some free spots, I pick a player. It is the wrong sign to choose a player who was not there with a top class training performances. I would rather go with less players. That’s important.”
Farke responds when asked about Perkins in press conference
Is it a dig at Perkins, that Farke has responded in this way – when asked about the Leeds teen? Harsh if that is the case, given Perkins was deemed ill and unavailable for the clash at Birmingham, ending 1-0.
Surely, he is a player worth having on the bench. Especially, in the absence of Willy Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra, and that we are hardly awash with options in the final third anyway. He should be involved.
Leeds need a bit of momentum, something for the fans to cheer about. A win against familiar face Carlos Corberan would go some way to appeasing fans – but the Baggies will prove a tough opponent.
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