Leeds United could not have asked for a more difficult fixture on their return to Championship action, with Sheffield United travelling to Elland Road.
The Blades have conceded just three goals across their opening nine matches, are the only side still unbeaten in the entire EFL, and would be top of the table but for a two-point deduction.
That said, the international break did arguably arrive at the best possible time for Leeds. With Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Dan James, Manor Solomon and Max Wober all out injured, it has given them extra time to get at least some of them back fit.
Farke is hopeful of both Solomon and James returning, which will be a huge boost to the Leeds boss‘ bench when the likes of Largie Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto begin to tire in games.
However, Leeds are once again the side with the most internationals in the Championship and the schedule has been far from kind to them.
Graham Smyth on Brenden Aaronson’s fight to be fit for Leeds
Sky Sports opting to televise Leeds on a Friday night in the first game after the break is a ridiculous decision considering there are so many clubs in the division with no where near as many internationals.
What’s more, it’s not just Europe where Leeds players are in action. Brenden Aaronson, Junior Firpo and Ao Tanaka are all practically at the other side of the world.
Firpo and Tanaka should just about be alright due to their games being on the Tuesday, though the former’s is at 11pm BST, which isn’t ideal.
On the other hand, Aaronson does not play his second game for the USA until 3.30am BST Wednesday morning all the way over in Mexico.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road Podcast, journalist Graham Smyth does not see how Aaronson could possibly start against the Blades.
He said: “So, if the [USA] game finishes at 5.30am, in the dressing room at 6am, the earliest you think he’s going to be on a flight is 9am, absolute earliest. Do your recovery on the plane, get yourself a walk bike and take it on with you. He will be back in the country by Thursday, but in what state?
“Yeah, I think he will be in the squad, but whether or not he can start is definitely a question mark because of the timing of it. Leeds are going to need everyone, aren’t they? Like everyone is going to have to strap up and get out there and just make themselves as available as humanly possible.”
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke will be relieved after what happened to Ao Tanaka on international duty with Japan
Daniel Farke’s most likely Aaronson replacement vs Sheffield United
Farke was frustrated at Leeds not signing a 10 in the summer and so if the ‘unbelievable‘ Aaronson was to miss out, there isn’t much in reserve.
However, if both Solomon and James are back fit, it could give Farke the opportunity to shuffle his three behind the striker a tad.
Wilfried Gnonto has been given more license to roam this season and has proven he would be a more than viable option to play as a 10.
Largie Ramazani would, of course, keep his place, leaving one of James or Solomon to come in straight from the start providing they are fit enough to do so.
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