Leeds United are now a defender short after allowing Djed Spence to return to Tottenham Hotspur early.
The Whites shocked everyone when they announced on Thursday evening that Spence’s loan spell would be cut short, with it later being confirmed that it was Leeds’ decision to do so.
Spence had just started to find some rhythm at Elland Road having made five consecutive starts before being an unused substitute on New Year’s Day in the 3-0 win over Birmingham City.
However, Leeds cannot afford to dwell and now must look towards the transfer market to potentially find a replacement of Spence’s level, which will be tough – particularly in January.
Farke was actually asked in his pre-Peterborough United press conference whether Leeds will bring in another right-back before the end of the month, and it is fair to say he was coy on the situation.
Farke addressed Leeds right-back plans
He said: “Not immediately. We were successful in the first 18 games when Djed was injured. We found some solutions. We won’t fall asleep.
“We brought Djed in because we know about the situation with Junior at the time and Sam Byram’s injury history.
“There is no emergency case. If there is an opportunity, we will analyse it. We are doing things that we are 100 per cent convinced.”
Leeds simply cannot afford to fall asleep this month and there is no doubt the squad is significantly weaker without Spence in it, and it is now imperative a replacement is found.
Farke was never going to say that Leeds are now definitely going to go and sign a right-back, but at the same time, it is not an answer that fills anyone with a great deal of confidence.
Luke Ayling and Jamie Shackleton have both struggled with injuries over the last few weeks and Leeds cannot just keep relying on 17-year-old Archie Gray to play there every week.
Given how desperate Farke was to sign a right-back in the summer, it would be a real disappointment if Leeds left themselves weaker this month.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
