Leeds United’s squad is currently down to the barebones and so the international break may be set to arrive at the best possible time.
Daniel Farke was already without Ethan Ampadu, Dan James, Manor Solomon, Max Wober and Isaac Schmidt for Tuesday night’s draw at Norwich City, but went onto lose Ilia Gruev after just 20 minutes.
Farke did attempt to utilise his bench with Friday’s trip to Sunderland in mind, but it was clear just how much weaker Leeds were after his changes.
Leeds supporters were very critical of Farke’s substitutions after the match as it had felt the Whites were the most likely to win the match after Largie Ramazani’s equaliser.
However, once some of Leeds’ injured bodies do return to action, they will not be weakened in the same way as at Carrow Road when Farke uses his bench.
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Jon Newsome on Dan James’ role at Leeds
Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto were undoubtedly Leeds‘ two biggest threats last night. Their pace and movement caused all sorts of problems for Norwich’s defence.
It was those two who linked up to get Leeds back on level terms, but by the 82nd minute mark, both had been brought off the field.
Jon Newsome says he could not understand Farke’s changes on the night and also speaking on BBC Radio Leeds, hailed both Ramazani and Gnonto as ‘electric’.
What’s more, Newsome was actually asked what the form of Leeds’ current starting wide men could mean for Dan James, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained back in August.
While Newsome believes James is one of the best players in the Championship, he did admit he is unsure how Farke will manage to fit him into the team.
He said: “Ramazani and Gnonto were electric tonight. I think I even mentioned in commentary that they were unplayable at times, and I thought they were. What happens with Dan James, that’s a really interesting question and one we have all mulled over.
“Hopefully he gets back fit and hopefully he comes on and puts the performances in he’s got. He is probably one of the best players in the Championship in all honesty. It will be interesting, he’s got an abundance of talent.
“But he had an abundance of talent last year with Summerville, Gnonto and Dan James, and he managed to shuffle the pack last season, and I am sure he will be able to do that this season. But he’s got a number of riches.”
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Manor Solomon and James return will be huge for Leeds
Based on the last three matches, there is no way Farke can drop Ramazani and Gnonto as his first choice wing pairing.
Ramazani has two goals and one assist in three starts, while Gnonto has a goal and two assists in his last two. Clearly they enjoy playing together.
However, when they do tire towards the end of matches, Leeds have no one they can bring off the bench to replace them.
The sooner both Manor Solomon and James return from injury the better, so Farke doesn’t have to weaken the side significantly when making changes.
While it may be difficult to get them into the starting XI, it is an exciting prospect thinking of them both come on against tiring defences.
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