Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has revealed Lucas Perri's injury setback played a part in the club's decision to keep hold of Illan Meslier in the recent transfer window.
Perri will miss the Whites' next two matches after sustaining a quad injury against Newcastle United in the final outing before the international break. It leaves Farke with Darlow, Meslier and Alex Cairns as his senior goalkeeping options going into Saturday's encounter with Fulham.
Meslier lost the No 1 spot at the back end of last season following a string of high-profile blunders. He has fallen behind Perri and Darlow in the pecking order for a starting spot and it was thought the Frenchman would be sold this summer. A number of clubs, including Ligue 1 outfit Lorient, were said to have expressed an interest in signing Meslier.
But Meslier, who is in the final year of his contract, ended up staying put and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that he could be included in the matchday squad against the Cottagers. It seems highly likely, though, that Darlow will get the nod in between the sticks, with either Meslier or Cairns on the bench.
Farke told the media: "Perri's injury played a little part in Meslier staying. Unlucky for Lucas who came to us injured, needed training and unlucky to be out again.
"For that, I’m happy to have Karl and Illan with us. I trust all my goalkeepers, so it’s good to have Illan available for the upcoming games and months. Illan’s quality has never in doubt and how he reacted to a situation that was not easy for him. Many compliments to Illan because of how he picked himself up, reacted in training, and worked very hard."
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