It has been a long six weeks since Sean Longstaff last pulled on a Leeds United shirt, but on Sunday, the midfielder was back in the squad to face Manchester United.
After Leeds’ 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in which the Whites took the lead, only for England star Morgan Rogers to score twice, Farke confirmed Longstaff had suffered a calf injury and would be sidelined.
At the time, it was suggested that Longstaff would be missing for 4-6 weeks. Six weeks later and Longstaff was named in the squad against Man United. Longstaff has missed eight games, the first being Man City.
What might have been… Who was your MOTM in Leeds’ draw with Man United?
Brenden Aaronson was immense once again 🔥
Indeed, Longstaff has missed the entire period in which Daniel Farke has reinvented Leeds from half-time against Man City until full-time when Leeds drew with Man United. Leeds have gone seven unbeaten.
Daniel Farke says if Sean Longstaff can play against Newcastle
After the 1-1 draw with Man United, Farke explained why he had included Longstaff in the side. With Ethan Ampadu suspended, Farke decided to include Longstaff for his maturity and his experience.
Farke’s comments suggest there was never any chance Longstaff would play, given he had not been involved in training, yet. Asked on Sunday if Longstaff could face former side Newcastle, Farke said:
“For Sean Longstaff, it will be beneficial to have at least two training days. It’s tricky for him after being out for such a long time,” Farke said about Longstaff, who will be desperate to play for Leeds again.
“We rarely have a training session together with the team because we have to split the group, so it’s a bit tricky for a player coming back from injury, but every day will help him. We will see who is ready to go.”
Who has been Leeds United’s best player this season? 🔟
We're almost at the halfway stage…
Does Longstaff even start for Leeds when fully fit?
During the first couple of months, Longstaff was a key player in this Leeds side. He won man of the match awards, including on his debut against Newcastle, and even joked that he would “chin” ref Michael Oliver.
A leader in the side and holding impromptu huddles on the pitch. But Longstaff’s absence has coincided with Leeds’ super form and while that is not Longstaff’s fault, he will have to wait for a chance in the side.
Ilia Gruev has started the last two and been crucial in denying Man United and Liverpool chances. There is no doubt that Ampadu has served his suspension in the North East, but who goes in midfield with him?
it hinges on the formation used by Farke. Against Man United, it was 5-4-1, with Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor used as wingers with Gruev and Anton Stach in the middle. But a 3-5-2 is more likely.
Perhaps, if fit – which is of course, massively unlikely come Wednesday night, Longstaff partners Stach and Ampadu in midfield. But it will be a couple of games before Longstaff is fit – perhaps he starts at Derby.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
