Leeds United will have to rejig their starting line-up for Saturday's trip to Fulham. Boss Daniel Farke has confirmed first-choice goalkeeper Lucas Perri will miss the next two matches due to a quad injury picked up against Newcastle United before the international break.
Perri, a big-money summer acquisition from Luton, has recorded two clean sheets from his three starts since moving to Elland Road. His injury setback means Karl Darlow is in line to start at Craven Cottage. Darlow replaced Illan Meslier in between the sticks at the back end of last season, helping the Whites win the Championship title.
Speaking at his press briefing this afternoon, Farke revealed forwards Lukas Nmecha (foot) and Joel Piroe (calf) are big injury doubts but Joe Rodon (concussion) and Sam Byram (cut on his head) are available for selection. Late decisions will be taken on influential midfield duo Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka (both knee). Ampadu has not figured since the opening day win at home to Everton while Tanaka was forced off in the second half of their Arsenal drubbing.
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Farke said Ampadu is ahead of schedule on his recovery from injury and indicated the Wales international and Tanaka could be included in the travelling party for the clash against the Cottagers. Both Ampadu and Tanaka have taken part in team training this week. "We will see how they react in the next 48 hours," said Farke.
United have made a solid start to the Premier League season, accruing four points from a possible nine on offer. They head to Fulham searching for their first win on the road. Arsenal dismantled the Whites 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium last month and a youthful Sheffield Wednesday team dumped Farke's men out of the Carabao Cup on penalties.
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