‘There’s a difference’… Daniel Farke shares why Djed Spence was not involved for Leeds United last night

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Daniel Farke says Djed Spence was involved for Leeds United on Friday night as he is not yet close to being match fit.

Spence made his return to training last week after a long lay-off due to a knee injury but was not even selected for the bench against Rotherham United.

Farke explained the reasoning behind that decision in his post-match press conference after the game, stating there is a difference between being ‘not injured’ and match fit.

Leeds were left frustrated on their return from the international break as they were held to a 1-1 draw at struggling, managerless Rotherham despite having taken a six minute lead.

The Whites were unable to build on Crysencio Summerville’s opener and following Hakeem Odoffin’s equaliser on the stroke of half-time, produced a very lacklustre display.

Leeds needs Spence sooner rather than later

Speaking after the match, Farke insists Spence still needs another few days of training before he is considered for selection due to the length of his lay-off.

“He needs training, that’s quite important. He was out for eight weeks and before he had a difficult spell, because he was just two weeks with us and had one competitive game. His last game was in pre-season with Tottenham and he was just back in training for five days.

“He has to work on his endurance and there’s proper competition in his position. There’s a difference in being not injured and being ready for the game. He’s working hard. He needs a few more days of training. It’s good to have him back. Each and every training day will be beneficial but for me it was clear he would not be involved today.”

Obviously it makes sense for Farke to ease Spence back into the fold given his lack of pre-season, and how long he has been out, but Leeds really need him.

Archie Gray has been decent in that role over the last few weeks but was poor last night and like many of his teammates, was often too content to play the easy option in possession.

Spence, on the other hand, will offer much more an attacking threat with his pace and dribbling, which should offer Leeds another attacking outlet.