It would probably be a little unfair to suggest that Leeds United’s FA Cup defeat to Millwall dispelled any myths about the strength in depth at Daniel Farke’s disposal.
Most Championship managers would still give their arm – or at least a few fingers – for the luxury of being able to call upon Largie Ramazani or Willy Gnonto from the subtitutes bench.
But as Leeds United exited the FA Cup with a whimper on Saturday lunchtime, Femi Azeez tripling his Millwall tally in the space of one afternoon in West Yorkshire, it’s fair to say many of those brought into Daniel Farke’s XI did little to boost their prospects of more regular starts.
Joshua Guilavogui looked well off the pace on his first appearance in the Leeds XI. Ramazani and Gnonto were outshone by teenager Sam Chambers.
And while Farke was impressed by Isaac Schmidt’s performance on the right-hand side, the summer signing from St Gallen is not going to have Jayden Bogle glancing nervously over his shoulder just yet.
One positive, however, was the return of Pascal Struijk.
Daniel Farke delighted to have Pascal Struijk back at Leeds United
The defender and occasional skipper was on Leeds’ team sheet for the first time since a spell on the sidelines which kept him out of the XI for nearly a month.
Struijk also completed the full 90 minutes for the first time since that 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on New Years’ Day. A game in which he would give Leeds the lead from the penalty spot.
There would be no repeat of that against Millwall, however. Stepping up again, Struijk’s spot-kick was turned onto the post by Liam Roberts in the visiting goal, ensuring that Alex Neil’s side could enjoy a relatively stress-free final half-hour in West Yorkshire.
Still, Farke was keen to focus more on the positives of Struijk’s return than the obvious downsides.
“I think it was important [for him] to have the first 90 minutes under his belt against a pretty competitive side. Millwall is exactly the kind of quality we face in the league,” Farke tells reporters ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to Watford.
“I think it was quite important to have these 90 minutes after being out for several weeks. It will be important also for finding confidence back in his body.
“Of course, he would have preferred to score the penalty and also to have a better outcome in terms of result. But for his injury level, for his fitness level, to come back into his level, it was important.”
Farke welcomes back Joe Rodon but Max Wober is out again
It remains to be seen if Farke risks starting Struijk for the second time in four days at Vicarage Road. The German may opt to bring back Joe Rodon alongside Ethan Ampadu, even if the skipper ensured a miserable afternoon against Millwall.
Farke confirms that Rodon and Dan James should be available after both were missing over the weekend.
Struijk’s return could hardly have been better timed, meanwhile, with fellow left-footer Max Wober now out until the end of March.
“Dan James and Joe Rodon will be available. They were back in training,” Farke in his pre-match preser. “It was a bit of a precaution to not use them in this [Millwall] game. If nothing major happens, they will be available [to take on Watford].
““Bad news with Max Wober, an ongoing knee problem. He’s suffered another setback and will need another surgery. We will get this done as quick as possible and he will be out till the next international break.”
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