Daniel Farke shares why Illan Meslier was back on the bench for Leeds United as Karl Darlow questions arise

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Daniel Farke raised some eyebrows on Saturday when bringing Illan Meslier back into the Leeds squad.

The Frenchman – who was ousted from the starting XI after a string of mistakes last season – had not been named on the bench in any of the last five Premier League games before Saturday’s defeat at Manchester City.

However, the Leeds No.16 was back in the dugout at the Etihad Stadium as Karl Darlow missed out, prompting questions as to whether Daniel Farke was ready to give him another chance.

The German was asked exactly that in his press conference on Tuesday, but was pretty clear on Illan Meslier.

Daniel Farke confirms Karl Darlow was only dropped from Leeds United squad due to injury

When asked if the 25-year-old being named on the bench against Manchester City had any deeper meaning, Farke was pretty clear.

The 49-year-old said: “Karl missed three team trainings last week and was not able to travel with us but that seems to be sorted. It was a minor adductor injury, but he’s back in training today and should be alright.”

It was effectively a very blunt “no” to the question of whether Meslier has any chance of salvaging his Leeds career, and the man born in Lorient can surely expect to return to the stands next time out against Chelsea.

Illan Meslier could still bring in a fee for Leeds United in January

The glovesman sees his contract expire at the end of the season as he nears free agency, but Leeds could still receive some money back on the £5m spent to sign him from Lorient in July 2020.

Strasbourg are keen on signing Meslier in the winter transfer window, and a bidding war could even break out with several other clubs interested.

AC Milan like Meslier too – and reports in Belgium state that Anderlecht are considering a swoop as well.

It means Leeds could well make some money back, but with Darlow also seeing his contract expire at the end of the season, question marks remain over who will be the long-term backup for Lucas Perri.