Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has more or less confirmed that Illan Meslier is set to return to the squad for the Fulham clash at Craven Cottage this weekend. His exile from the squad is set to end this weekend in the nation’s capital.
The Whites attempted to offload Meslier during the summer transfer window, and he largely sat out of the squad last month as clubs including Lorient, Rangers, and Valencia expressed interest in the 25-year-old goalkeeper.
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However, a deal for his Leeds exit never materialised before the end of the transfer window in most of Europe. A move to Trabzonspor was also blocked this week after the Turkish side agreed a deal to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana on loan.
Meslier’s Leeds career appeared to have gotten a lifeline this week when it emerged that Lucas Perri picked up an injury during training and he is now set to return to the squad.
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Daniel Farke confirms Illan Meslier return with lavish praise
Farke more or less tried to push Meslier out of Leeds by dropping him behind Karl Darlow in the pecking order of goalkeepers, but he is now set to return.
The Leeds manager confirmed Perri’s injury earlier today, and lavished praise on the character and will Melsier has shown this season despite the setbacks.
He admitted that it must have been hard for him to drop down the pecking order of goalkeepers at Leeds, but conceded that the Frenchman remained a thorough professional and has shown immense character during the summer.
“Illan’s quality is never in doubt, and how he reacted to a situation that was never in doubt”, Farke said in a press conference.
“It was tough times for him to lose his spot and shirt number, but I must give compliments to him.
“[He is an] absolutely professional. Sign for me of a top-quality character.”
Darlow or Meslier against Fulham?
Darlow is the recognised number 2 behind Perri at Leeds this season, and should be in line to play in the game against Fulham on Saturday.
However, Farke’s praise for Meslier, and the fact that he is still rated at Leeds, means there is no guarantee the Welshman will be in the eleven this weekend.
The Frenchman has also played more than double the Premier League games compared to Darlow, and the latter’s record in the top flight is unflattering as well.
It will not be a surprise if Meslier leapfrogs Darlow in the pecking order and start at Craven Cottage this Saturday.
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