Daniel Farke spoke to reporters on Thursday afternoon ahead of Leeds United’s game against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, and he delivered some alarming injury news.
Going into the break, there were already many concerns. Gabriel Gudmundsson had gone off early in the 0-0 draw against Newcastle after Noah Okafor was a doubt. Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka missed out.
Since then, Joe Rodon had withdrawn from the Wales squad with Graham Smyth reporting he should be okay to play against Fulham. It has been reported that Rodon was undergoing concussion protocols.
Now, Farke has spoken to the media 48 hours ahead of Fulham, and confirmed that a total of four players are doubts, though there were no updates on Gudmundsson, or Okafor – which means they are fit.
Ethan Ampadu in action for Leeds against Everton.
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Daniel Farke facing a bit of a crisis up front for Leeds United
We’ll start with the good news, and that is that both Ampadu and Tanaka began team training this week. Farke has previously said Ampadu was hoping for a return against Fulham, though it was very optimistic.
But it turns out to be reality. Tanaka is also a possibility, but Farke did confirm reports that Lucas Perri is sidelined. Farke also said that Nmecha and Piroe have suffered knocks during training and are doubts.
“Some mixed news, some ongoing topics. Lucas Perri is definitely out. He reported after the last game his quad, a muscle strain, will miss the next two games. Definitely the next two and then more clarity.
“Some question marks about Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe. Nmecha got a hit on foot, missed training yesterday. Piroe has a big bruise on his calf. We have to wait and see, and make a decision in 48 hours.
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“Some good news on Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka. Both integrated in team training at the start of this week. Ampadu ahead of Tanaka as he was ahead. But we will make a late decision with them,” he said.
Lukas Nmecha celebrates his goal during Leeds United v Everton - Premier League
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Daniel Farke delivers updates on Sam Byram and Joe Rodon
Farke did also discuss Rodon and versatile defender Sam Byram, who had been rumoured to have sustained a head injury. Farke confirmed however, that the defensive duo are both ready to play.
“At the end of training last week, Sam Byram got an elbow to his head. But he and Joe Rodon are ready to go”, Farke said. A massive boost when the likes of Nmecha, Piroe, Ampadu, Tanaka and Perri are doubts.
Karl Darlow is expected to come in for Perri, while Bulgaria’s recently-sacked manager suggesting Ilia Gruev played with an injury this week could be questioned. Dominic Calvert-Lewin could start at Fulham.