Despite a plethora of players once again being away on international duty, Leeds United head into their upcoming game against Sheffield United with a stronger squad than the one at Sunderland.
Leeds would have come away with all three points from the Stadium of Light but for Illan Meslier’s incredible 97th minute howler, even with several key men out injured.
International quintet Ethan Amapdu, Ilia Gruev, Max Wober, Manor Solomon and Dan James were all absent, leaving Leeds with a brand new midfield pairing and several teenagers on the bench.
Farke handed each of Leeds’ non-internationals the full week off after Sunderland but with the most number of players away with their respective countries, it wasn’t too many of them.
Junior Firpo, Brenden Aaronson, Ao Tanaka and Wilfried Gnonto could all start against Sheffield United, having all been in international action over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday.
- READ MORE: Chris Wilder makes Leeds United ‘budget’ claim ahead of Sheffield United’s trip to Elland Road
Adrian Clarke on importance of Manor Solomon and Dan James at Leeds
Largie Ramazani and Gnonto has been Farke‘s wing pairing of choice in each of the last four matches. Given their form in that period, it may be a while before that is changed.
However, Ramazani is still very much adapting to the intensity of the Championship, with Farke stating the need for his physical level to improve on several occasions.
Apart from against Sunderland, Ramazani has been brought off some time before the end in each of his starts for Leeds, but due to Solomon and James‘ injuries, Farke hasn’t had a like-for-like replacement.
That was very evident in the draw at Norwich City earlier this month, when Farke brought off both of his wingers and Leeds’ level dropped considerably.
With Solomon and James now back in contention, pundit Adrian Clarke has told the ‘What The EFL Podcast‘ just how important that will be for Farke’s ability to change matches from his bench.
He said: “The bookies have Leeds down as overwhelming favourites to win but I don’t quite see it that way. They will certainly look to get the three points, and the big boost for them is Manor Solomon and Dan James are likely to be fit.
“I think that will make a big difference to them, not just what they do from the start, but what they can do mid-game. If things aren’t going to plan, they can maybe bring on one or two excellent players to influence it.”
- READ MORE: What Daniel Farke has done to impress Patrick Bamford recently after unique Leeds United incident
Solomon could start for Leeds against Sheffield United
Having missed four and six matches respectively, Farke would ease both Solomon and James back into action in an ideal world.
However, due to the short turnaround from the international break and Friday’s game, Farke may not be afforded that luxury.
Aaronson only returned from USA duty today after his game away in Mexico during the early hours of Wednesday morning, putting the possibility of him starting into major doubt.
If Farke was to drop him to the bench, it could see Gnonto move into the number 10 position, leaving a vacancy in the wide positions.
Given Solomon has been out for half of the time James has, it is the Israeli Farke is more likely to put straight into the XI.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
