Archie Gray played all three of England U19’s fixtures during the international break – and Daniel Farke has told his press conference, on the club’s YouTube, he took him out of Thursday’s training session.
Gray, 17, has already clocked up a huge 16 appearances for club and country this season. In 11 of those, he has completed 90 minutes. In three of the other five games, he has lasted more than 75 minutes.
For a player of such a young age, Gray has taken it all in his stride and has not picked up any injuries as of yet. Physically, he does not look as though he is still only 17. But, this is all new to Gray’s young body.
Indeed, Farke has been questioned regularly on the workload that Gray is being put through. He did not allow Gray to link up with England in the previous break – but said he could go this time, with the 19’s.
He spoke before Gray went away, hoping that he did not play in all three games. Not only did Gray start all three, but he completed all three too, in different roles. Farke pulled him out of training on Thursday.
“It’s about finding a balance. It’s a great honour to represent your country. I don’t want to blame any manager because every manager wants to play the best. In this age group Archie is among the best.
“I question whether U19s improves him. I’m happy he came through without injury, but the load was immense. Today I chose to leave him in the dressing room to do a recovery session. Have to accept it.”
Daniel Farke took Archie Gray out of Leeds training on Thursday
It is likely that come Saturday, Gray does not start. On the right of defence, Luke Ayling will be well rested. Ethan Ampadu will start in midfield – and Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev have both been on duty.
Both will also be tired from travelling but neither have played as much as Gray has done over the past couple of weeks. Plenty of decisions to make for Farke this weekend, and Gray could easily be rested.
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