Phil Hay has explained on Twitter that Karl Darlow was missing between the sticks for Leeds United on Monday because he dislocated his thumb in the warm-up ahead of our 1-0 defeat to West Brom.
Leeds got back to winning ways on New Year’s Day with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Wayne Rooney’s struggling Birmingham City. But it comes after defeats to Sunderland, Preston and then West Brom.
With Illan Meslier suspended, Darlow was expected to play for the second consecutive league game. It comes after he played against West Brom, failing to stop Grady Diangana from scoring in the 1-0 loss.
But it came as a surprise when Kris Klaesson was handed his full league debut and only a second senior outing on New Year’s Day. He kept a clean sheet, as Leeds cruised to a 3-0 win – even without Darlow.
Now, Athletic reporter Hay has explained why Darlow was absent on Monday. He says that Darlow has a dislocated thumb, which he suffered in the warm-up against West Brom – but took painkillers to play.
Not only that, but Darlow – one of nine summer signings, joining us from Newcastle despite interest from Bournemouth – is expecting a child, today being the due date. Hay took to Twitter on Monday evening.
Phil Hay explains Karl Darlow absence for Leeds on Monday
Incredible, that Darlow braved the pain of a dislocated thumb just minutes before the clash against West Brom. Immense. More than fair enough, that he missed today’s game – even if that was the only reason.
What it has done, though, is seen Klaesson win a clean sheet in his only start for Leeds. Yes, he might not have looked particularly comfortable, and one save he did make was unorthodox. But a solid start.
It might have helped convince Farke about the Norwegian, given he probably hadn’t seen play much in a pressured environment. But surely, when Darlow or Meslier are back, they will return to the starting XI.
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