Daniel Farke sprung a surprise on Leeds fans last time out at Anfield.
The German decided to put Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the bench despite the England international netting seven goals in his last six Premier League games.
It was the first time Daniel Farke had benched the Leeds No.9 since the 3-2 defeat at Manchester City, but the man born in Steinhausen could now do something he’s not done since 6th August 2023 when Manchester United come to Elland Road.
Daniel Farke now likely to name a Leeds United XI without a Welshman for first time in over two years
Leeds have a strong core of Wales internationals who are key players in Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Dan James and Karl Darlow.
Ampadu and Rodon typically start on a weekly basis, and are leaders of the group.
However, Farke is now facing the prospect of fielding a side without any of the quartet for the first time since his first game in charge of Leeds, a 2-2 draw against Cardiff which fell back on the 6th August 2023, exactly 881 days ago.
Should Leeds sign a replacement for Joe Rodon or finally hand Sebastiaan Bornauw a chance? 🤔
The Belgian has played just two minutes of Premier League football since his £5.1m move from VfL Wolfsburg in July… 😬
Rodon damaged ankle ligaments during the 1-1 draw at Sunderland and remains sidelined for the visit of Manchester United.
In regard to Ampadu, the Leeds captain picked up his fifth yellow card of the season at Anfield on Thursday, meaning he must serve a one-match suspension.
James also remains injured with a hamstring problem, whereas Darlow is the backup to Lucas Perri, so barring a shock injury to the Brazilian, Farke is going to have to name a Leeds side without any Welshman for the first time in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke may also start a wildcard option in midfield when Leeds United take on Manchester United
Many Leeds fans are expecting a midfield of Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev on Sunday, with Sean Longstaff also absent along with Ampadu.
However, Farke hinted that Gruev might need a rest after playing 90 minutes at Anfield on Thursday, a rarity for the Bulgarian who is primarily a fringe player.
Who should replace Ampadu against Manchester United? 🤔
The options will be scarce if Gruev needs a rest… 😬
The Leeds boss said: “Of course, we have some natural replacements like Ilia Gruev, for example, but we have to see how he recovers also from this workload and then see what we will do… for Ilia, first (start) since a while, (he has) invested a lot.”
If the Leeds No.44 is unable to start, it is a mystery as to who comes into midfield.
Brenden Aaronson is the likeliest option, but the American started as a striker against Liverpool, so it remains to be seen if Farke moves him further back after a bright performance.
Whatever happens, Leeds will have to try and get a result without their inspirational Welsh leaders in Rodon and Ampadu – on a truly rare occasion where both are missing.
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