Daniel Farke returned to Carrow Road for a third time since leaving Carrow Road and watched his Leeds United side pick up a solid point away from home on Tuesday night.
Farke spent four years at Norwich as manager and helped the Canaries win The Championship twice. Last season, the German boss prepared his Leeds side to take on Norwich on four occasions during 2023-24.
Leeds beat Norwich twice in the normal season, away from home and at Elland Road. Then, in the play-offs, Leeds drew 0-0 at Carrow Road before completely brushing Norwich aside in Yorkshire, winning 4-0.
So, plenty of sub-plots going into Tuesday night’s game. More so, that skipper Ethan Ampadu is out of action until the new year and Manor Solomon, Dan James, Isaac Schmidt and Max Wober are also injured.
Leeds went 1-0 down in the first half when Joe Rodon fouled Josh Sargent, who got up and scored. But Largie Ramazani equalised in the second half, and Farke spoke after the match following the 1-1 draw.
Patrick Bamford makes Leeds return and Daniel Farke comments
Towards the end of the game, Farke brought Patrick Bamford on for the first time since the striker picked up a hamstring injury. Indeed, Tuesday night saw Bamford play for the most he has done in the league.
A couple of nice touches, Bamford worried the Norwich defenders on a couple of occasions. But it is only a small step in Bamford’s recovery and Farke says he is keen to get the striker back into the side soon.
“At this moment we need all the players that are available. It was good to give Patrick some minutes after long-term injuries because we need him, we desperately need him during the season,” Farke commented.
Leeds desperately need every player available ahead of Friday
The injury list is racking up and grew further on Tuesday night. With Farke’s squad largely small anyway, Leeds need every player that is fit now – proven by Sam Chambers being added to the squad on Tuesday.
Leeds’ injury list is growing, six currently sidelined:
- Ethan Ampadu (knee)
- Dan James (hamstring)
- Isaac Schmidt (glute)
- Manor Solomon (back)
- Max Wober (knee, surgery on Tuesday)
- Ilia Gruev (knee)
While Leeds are well-stocked up top, it is crucial that Bamford now remains fit over the next few weeks. It allows Joel Piroe to be used as a 10, and Joe Gelhardt as a winger with Solomon and James out injured.
On Friday night, it will be interesting to see if Farke makes some changes in terms of rotation. But taking off both Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto on Tuesday shows he is keen to start the duo against Sunderland.
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