Daniel Farke may have injury issues but there’s two Leeds players he must start vs Watford

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Daniel Farke has a number of fitness concerns in his Leeds United squad heading into tomorrow’s match at Watford.

Though it will have been 12 days since Leeds were last in action when the game gets underway at Vicarage Road, the international break has certainly done more harm than good for Farke.

On top of the doubts already surrounding both Georginio Rutter and Junior Firpo, Farke has added another three players to the injury list after exploits with their respective countries this week.

Connor Roberts is the first one having limped off in the 84th minute of Wales’ play-off final defeat to Poland, while Willy Gnonto and Ilia Gruev are also said to have reported issues upon their return.

If all five of these aforementioned players are unable to make it, that will leave Leeds really short at the back – a position in which they have been so settled in over the last few months.

Since the turn of the New Year, Leeds have conceded just three goals in 13 matches, none of which have come from open play. It has formed the bedrock of their incredible run of form.

There is one partnership Farke simply cannot break up for Leeds vs Watford

If Firpo was to miss out, Sam Byram would come in and take his place, no problem. Archie Gray, meanwhile, was always likely to start at right-back anyway, even if Roberts was fit.

However, it would be the absence of Gruev which could really impact Leeds’ setup, as it would mean one of Gray or Ethan Ampadu would have to step into midfield.

While that is both of their best positions, moving would leave a gaping hole in one position at the back. Liam Cooper and Jamie Shackleton are both available, but neither are on the level of current starters.

That would leave Farke with a real headache, as there is simply no way he can afford to break up that centre-back partnership of Ampadu and Joe Rodon.

The two Welshmen have simply been formidable alongside one another and separating it would really affect the rhythm of the team, and at this stage of the season, that is not needed.

What Farke said on Roberts, Gnonto and Gruev injuries

With Farke conducting his press conference over 48 hours in advance of the game, there is still plenty of time for them to make a full recovery.

Given the way Roberts limped off, it looks really unlikely he will be fit but as for the other two, hopefully it is just minor knocks for both and they are fit enough to play.

Leeds may not have even had the time to have conducted a full assessment on any of them due to where they have had to travel from, but here is what Farke had to say yesterday.

He said: “There are some more concerns, Roberts limped off, I hope it’s not too bad but let’s be honest if you limp off you’re usually not available two days later.

“The same with Willy Gnonto, he reported some hamstring problems after his game. Ilia Gruev reported problem with ankle ligament after the Bulgaria game – they are doubts.”