Daniel Farke addressed the media on Friday afternoon ahead of Leeds United’s upcoming Championship match at Bristol City. Here are the five key points he spoke about.
Largie Ramazani injury update
The news everyone was waiting for in his press conference was on Largie Ramazani after he went off injured inside the opening 15 minutes against Watford.
Unfortunately, Farke’s update wasn’t a positive one with Ramazani now set for the next four to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering ankle ligament damage.
He said: “Sadly bad news with him. Twisted his ankle. Sadly it’s a serious ligament injury. Doesn’t need surgery but will be out four-to-six weeks. Best case last week of November.”
Max Wober progressing well
In more positive news, Leeds are not far away from having some proper senior backup available at centre-back again.
Max Wober has been missing since the September international break having undergone surgery on a knee injury, but could join in with team training again as early as next week.
“Max Wober I mentioned this, he’s a bit ahead of schedule,” Farke said. “There’s a chance he could join us in team training at some point already next week and then we will see if he is available before the international break, which would be a nice little surprise.”
Josuha Guilavogui availability
Farke was able to speak about Josuha Guilavogui for the first time since signing on a free transfer, with it clear the Leeds boss is happy to see him come in.
And in good news for Leeds, Guilavogui is both eligible and available for the trip down south thanks to Farke’s confirmation.
He said: “He’s available and eligible to play. When you haven’t trained you can’t be there with 100 per cent but has spent a few days with us in team training and with the ball.”
Manor Solomon vs Dan James
After the crushing news about Ramazani’s injury, Farke was then asked about the decision he faces in picking his replacement – Manor Solomon or Dan James.
Having only just recovered from injuries of their own, both will be pushing to start at Ashton Gate, but Farke was reluctant to give too much away.
“Yes, we will see so thank god we have got Daniel James back and also Manor Solomon,” he said. “They were both out for a few weeks, it lasts a little bit until they are back at 100 per cent but it’s at least good to have them as options.”
Isaac Schmidt vs Sam Byram
Ramazani’s replacement is not the only selection dilemma facing Farke with a decision also to make at left-back due to Junior Firpo’s suspension.
Again, though, Farke offered no clues as to whether he will go with Isaac Schmidt or Sam Byram, both of whom are hoping to start for the first time this season.
He said: I never speak too much about the starting lineup because my players should be first [to know]. Two natural options there with Byram and Schmidt. We have another training session this afternoon but it’s very likely one of them will replace him.”
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
