Daniel Farke will be looking for a third consecutive win on Wednesday night when Leeds United welcome Luton Town to Elland Road, in the second of a busy run of five games in 16 days.
The Whites broke up for the November break with a comfortable-enough 2-0 win over QPR and then returned with a thriller in Wales, Wilfried Gnonto scoring Leeds‘ fourth to secure an incredible 4-3 win.
It sees Leeds sit top of the Championship table after 16 games. Level on points with Sheffield United and Sunderland, but boasting a better goal difference – a point better off than they were this time last season.
Leeds face Swansea, Luton, Blackburn, Derby and Middlesbrough all within the space of 16 days. The last of which against Luke Ayling’s side comes on December 10 and Daniel Farke will need all of his players.
Daniel Farke gives injury update on Leeds defender Isaac Schmidt
The summer signing from St. Gallen has endured a difficult first half to the season following his deadline day, £4.6m arrival at Elland Road. He’s struggled to get many minutes and is yet to start a single match.
Farke has chosen Sam Byram over Schmidt when Junior Firpo or Sam Byram have been suspended. The Leeds manager even called Schmidt out publicly regarding his work rate in training, behind the scenes.
Before the international break, Farke said Schmidt underwent hernia surgery and is currently recovering from the op. Asked if he was available for Luton, Farke said no – but he is not far away from a return.
“Not a topic for Wednesday. He was in team training in parts today, back to full team training from Thursday onwards and then hopefully he’ll become a topic, but for this game – no chance he is back.”
Even if Schmidt returns soon, when is he going to get a chance?
Schmidt might even be looking at the January window. The Swiss ace, who is officially a left-footed right-back, is the club’s fourth-choice full-back with Farke renowned for trying to keep his defence the same.
Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have started all 16 games, and it has left Max Wober out of the team too. Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo have only missed games due to suspension, always replaced by Schmidt.
If the four are fit, Farke will always start Bogle, Rodon, Struijk and Firpo and if one of the full-backs is unavailable, then Byram will come in. Schmidt needs games and he might have to consider a loan exit.
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