Junior Firpo is set to be included in Leeds United’s squad for the first time after a return from injury – and the defender has hinted he will a part of the squad with a new post on his Instagram story.
Firpo has been sidelined for the entirety of the season so far – missing all 16 games in all competitions. The 27-year-old though has made a return to training and Leeds Live said he will be in the Leeds squad.
The £13m defender has had his critics at Leeds during his time at Elland Road, since joining the club from Barcelona in 2021. Injuries and a lack of momentum, plus a number of managers has not helped.
Perhaps, like a number of Leeds players, relegation to the Championship may help Firpo. Allowing us to be on the front foot will surely help him, given he is much more effective going forward, than in defence.
Certainly, he will have difficulty breaking into the side at the moment with Sam Byram starring on the left side of defence. But, he is involved – judging by his post on Instagram on Friday, ahead of the game.
Junior Firpo hints he is included in Leeds United squad tonight
While it may take Firpo a while to get into the side, there is an issue on the right side of the defence. Luke Ayling seems to be just warming the bench at the moment, while Jamie Shackleton is starting.
Archie Gray has played there, too. It is the one decision that Daniel Farke needs to make on Friday night, who plays on the right side. But eventually, when Firpo is 100%, it might be that Byram solves that issue.
Playing on his stronger side, it would allow Firpo to come in on the left flank. But tonight, Firpo is more than likely to sit on the Leeds bench with Byram at left-back – and Shackleton, probably, on the right.
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