Daniel Farke says Sam Byram, Crysencio Summerville and Joe Gelhardt have all been struggling fitness wise this week but are expected to be fit for Leeds United’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.
Gelhardt was absent for last week’s 3-2 victory over Middlesbrough but both Summerville and Byram completed 90 minutes.
Thankfully, Leeds have had a full week to prepare for this weekend’s match at Ewood Park, which has provided them with the necessary recovery time to be available this weekend/
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Farke says both Junior Firpo (injury) and Ian Poveda (international duty) are the only confirmed absentees, though Luke Ayling is also a doubt.
He said: “We will see. We had a few knocks after Boro. Had to manage the load. Joe had problems after last weekend. Summerville, Byram and Joffy had problems, but all three involved today. I expect them to be available and fit.
“Injury of Firpo and Poveda’s situation. Only question is Ayling. Two days of training in the last days. Light knee issues. Managed his load. Hopefully can train with the team tomorrow, but this is the only question.”
Byram and Summerville big boost for Leeds
Both Byram and Summerville have formed an excellent partnership down the left-hand-side and so it is a big boost to know that they are both available.
With Firpo out, Leeds are relying heavily on Byram staying fit over this busy period of matches and his absence would’ve been extremely hard felt.
Summerville, meanwhile, has been arguably the best player in the entire division so far this season, having scored eight goals and provided six assists.
In terms of both Ayling and Gelhardt, they have found themselves way down the pecking order in recent weeks, regardless of fitness.
That said, a spot may open up on the bench for the latter at Ewood Park due to Poveda’s call-up to represent Colombia.
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