Leeds United’s Premier League campaign gets back underway today with a trip down to West London against Fulham.
After the first of four international breaks during the season, United’s survival bid resumes on the road at Craven Cottage this afternoon.
Daniel Farke has headaches to contend with after an encouraging point at the end of August against Newcastle United, taking his tally to four from three games.
Most Read on LeedsAllOver
United will hope that they don’t get a grim transfer reminder from their opposition, with Fulham attackers Rodrigo Muniz and Harry Wilson set to feature in some capacity.
Here, we round up the latest news from Elland Road ahead of today’s meeting in West London…
Confirmed Fulham v Leeds United team news: Perri out, Cottagers have no fresh issues
Up first is team news. For Leeds, Farke will be without his starting goalkeeper, confirming a quad strain that keeps Lucas Perri out for two games.
Lucas Perri has two clean sheets in his first three Premier League outings at Leeds United.(REUTERS/Scott Heppell)
Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe are doubts due to training knocks, while there’s positive news for Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu, who returned to training and could be included in the squad today.
As for Fulham, Silva confirmed no fresh injury issues for the Cottagers, suggesting centre-back Issa Diop is back in contention.
Noah Okafor determined to prove Switzerland boss wrong with Leeds United opportunity
A week without international duty handed Noah Okafor the opportunity to build up his sharpness ahead of what could be his full Premier League debut today.
Okafor had this break over the past week because he was again overlooked for the Switzerland squad by Murat Yakin.
(REUTERS/Jaimi Joy)
Speaking to The Athletic, the 25-year-old is determined to prove his point on the pitch. Doing so would force his route back into Switzerland’s 2026 World Cup plans.
“It hurts to hear and read I supposedly didn’t have a good attitude,” he said. “They’re denying me my character and suggesting I didn’t give my all to play.
“Now it’s a little bit of a problem with the coach. I don’t want to speak so much about that. For me, it doesn’t matter, I know my qualities. I know where I want to go and I know what I’m here for, so I’m ready.
I know my qualities. I know what I can do and I know also that they need me when I’m fit. When it’s a fit Noah, I can make a difference in every game, so that (is what) I’m working now for and (I am) excited.”
Illan Meslier seen as Galatasaray “panic buy” as bid failed late in window
The transfer window may have closed 12 days ago for Leeds and other UK clubs. Others across the globe have been able to pursue targets beyond that, though.
This includes Turkey, as Foot Mercato reported this week claiming Galatasaray were forced into a goalkeeper “panic buy”. They ended up submitting 15 offers for goalkeepers, including Leeds’ Illan Meslier.
Leeds United’s Illan Meslier was subject to last-minute transfer interest from Galatasaray. (Action Images/Craig Brough)
However, a deal didn’t materialise as they ended up pursuing a deal to sign Uğurcan Çakır.
The Turkish window has now shut, leaving the Saudi Pro League as the only feasible exit route, should the Frenchman still want to leave.
Isaac Schmidt makes feelings clear to leave Leeds United permanently
A player who did manage to leave in August was Isaac Schmidt, a year on from his arrival at Elland Road.
It’s safe to say a move to Leeds hasn’t worked out for Schmidt. Despite becoming a senior Swiss international, he had virtually no playing time under Farke.
(Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)
His loan to Werder Bremen contains a buy option that could be as high as £3.5million. Additionally, the wing-back is hoping that his club activate that option.
“I’m currently looking for an apartment so I can really settle in Bremen,” Schmidt told Bild. “I’d like to play for Werder for a longer period. That’s my big goal. Of course, I know that a lot will depend on my performance here.”