Ethan Ampadu has now been back in the Leeds United squad for the last three matches.
Ampadu spent around 10 weeks out after suffering knee ligament damage back in late September during the first half of Leeds‘ win over Coventry City.
The 24-year-old actually returned to training earlier than scheduled and after Farke labelled Ampadu as Leeds’ most important player, he was actually on the bench against Derby County less than a week after being back.
His first appearance from the bench came against Middlesbrough last week where he was brought on at right-back to help see out the game, though he did look a tad rusty.
However, just a matter of days later at Preston North End, Ampadu looked much more like himself with some clean passes in a back three, and a couple of timely interventions.
Farke shares when Ampadu could start for Leeds
Speaking before last week’s game at Deepdale, Farke admitted himself that Ampadu had to shake off some rust before he was able to start again.
Leeds have managed a full week on the training pitch since then, though, and that can only have proven beneficial to his quest to return to full match sharpness.
As Leeds approach a period of five matches in just 15 games, rotation is going to be key, with midfield being one of the most important positions to keep players fresh.
With that in mind, Ampadu is going to be heavily needed over the next couple of weeks and so in his pre-Oxford United press conference, Farke gave an update on how close he is to starting.
He said: “Ethan was out for a pretty long time, so every day on the pitch is good for him. We spoke last week about this old rule: You need more or less the same amount of training as you were out to return to your best.
“I hope he’ll be back to his best a bit earlier but of course, he was there with two short appearances. Every day on the training pitch increases his chance of minutes. All decisions we take are in the sense of what is beneficial for the team’s success.
“Ethan is also experienced enough to know he can’t come straight back after being out for three months. He’s definitely not far away.
“The first game is always complicated because even a player of his experience and calibre, after being out for so long and coming into a crucial period, you are a bit nervous and look a bit rusty.
“The second appearance was already on a much better level. Every appearance and every day of training is important for him. You can see him making steps forward on a daily basis.
“We will still be patient and give him the time to be back at his best. The players in his position have been good so there’s is no need to rush it.”
Farke should target Boxing Day for Ampadu return
The topic of Leeds’ away form was once again on the agenda for Farke today, and one of the reasons he gave for it not being as strong as at home, was due to them taking less risks, under his instructions.
Leeds have been without both of their out-and-out holding midfielders for almost three months now, which has forced them to adapt slightly.
Ao Tanaka has filled in superbly there, but was signed as more of an advanced number eight, and so Farke has sacrificed attacking threat for more defensive security.
Now Ampadu is back, Leeds will have that again and so he should be brought back in for the Boxing Day trip to Stoke City. Seven points from nine were picked up in the three away matches Leeds played with him in the side.
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