Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has dropped a hint over when Dominic Calvert-Lewin could make his debut as the Whites prepare for a trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin joined Leeds ahead of their season opener against Everton, as they claimed a win thanks to a late Lukas Nmecha penalty.
However, having left the Toffees at the end of his contract, Calvert-Lewin was left out of the Leeds squad as Daniel Farke takes a cautious approach to his introduction.
With Noah Okafor also signing for Leeds ahead of their trip to North London, Farke now has a decision on whether to introduce his two new attacking talents, as the Whites look to pull off an upset on the road.
Now, Farke suggested that Calvert-Lewin is in “good shape” as he contemplates the best side to take on Mikel Arteta’s title contenders.
Daniel Farke drops Dominic Calvert-Lewin selection hint
Speaking in his weekly press conference prior to the game against Arsenal, Farke admitted that Calvert-Lewin was in good shape after joining the club.
Although the England international has not been training with a club, his individual regime means he has arrived at Leeds in good condition as he builds up towards his first Leeds appearance.
Asked whether Calvert-Lewin could feature, Farke said: “We’ll see. Each and every training session with the team is important for him.
“He had a long summer break, followed by a few weeks of individual training, where his general endurance was at a really good level. However, what he has missed is team training, and for that reason, each session is crucial.
“He has made a decent impression, already well integrated, and you can see from day to day that he is growing. When will we use him for the first time? We’ll decide spontaneously. From a fitness point of view, he’s in good shape.”
The odds are stacked against Leeds in visit to Arsenal
Although Leeds come into their game against Arsenal full of confidence, having opened their Premier League season with a win and completed the signing of Okafor, the odds are against Leeds on their trip to the Emirates.
Arsenal are expected to mount a serious title challenge this season, and the weight of recent history is in their favour, as Arteta’s side are enjoying a long unbeaten run against the Whites.
Leeds’ record against Arsenal since November 2003:
- Played in all competitions: 14
- Total Wins: 0
- Total Draws: 2
- Total Defeats: 12
- Played in the Premier League: 8
- Premier League Wins: 0
- Premier League Draws: 1
- Premier League Defeats: 7
Leeds last tasted victory over Arsenal in 2003, as a trio of thrilling strikes from Ian Harte, Mark Viduka, and Harry Kewell secured a win that ended the Gunners’ title aspirations.
Since then, Arsenal have put together a 14-game unbeaten run against the Whites in all competitions, including 12 wins.
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