Leeds United return after the international break to face Fulham next weekend, as Daniel Farke’s side look to build on the four points they have secured from their opening three games.
While there is a frustrated feel among Leeds supporters at the moment due to the club’s inability to sign Harry Wilson or any other attacking players on deadline day, Farke has still guided Leeds to four points.
A total that any Leeds fans would have taken from their opening three matches, given two of them came against Champions League sides. The other, a 1-0 victory over David Moyes’ much-improved Everton.
Leeds have kept two clean sheets, proving the investment they have made has been worth it. Next up is Fulham, the first of four fixtures after the September international break and before the October pause.
Leeds receive Ilia Gruev boost ahead of Fulham, it’s a surprise
Against Everton, Ethan Ampadu suffered an MCL injury. Against Arsenal, Ao Tanaka suffered an MCL injury. Leeds have spent £35m on Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, and looked well-stocked in midfield.
But injuries to the duo have left Leeds relying on Ilia Gruev, Stach and Longstaff. The trio performed superbly against Newcastle and are likely to combine again at Fulham, even if Ampadu could be fit.
Farke will be keeping a close eye on Gruev, during the break. He played 90 minutes for Bulgaria in defeat to Spain earlier this week and on Sunday, Bulgaria faced Georgia in another World Cup qualifying clash.
But to the surprise of many, Leeds star Gruev was benched for the first 45 minutes. He did come on at half-time in the 3-0 loss, but it does mean Gruev will be 45 minutes fresher when he returns to Leeds.
Leeds United’s injury doubts ahead of Fulham clash next week
Gruev seems to come through unscathed, with the left-footed midfielder yet to pick up any kind of new injury since the knee problem that forced him to undergo surgery last week. Gruev will surely start.
Ampadu may return ahead of schedule in time for Fulham, but it could be a risk. Joe Rodon did not travel with the Wales squad to Kazakhstan due to concussion protocols, but Rodon is expected to return in time.
Elsewhere, Gabriel Gudmundsson played against Jaka Bijol’s Sweden after coming off against Newcastle and Noah Okafor should be fit, too. Okafor was a “major doubt” against Newcastle, but was on the bench.
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