In a few positions on the pitch now, Leeds United have a few injury concerns, highlighting the lack of squad depth.
If Leeds United’s deadline day shambles wasn’t enough, Daniel Farke has since been hit with a few injury concerns in the side.
Lucas Perri now has a muscle injury meaning Karl Darlow will start in goal against Fulham on Saturday, then in the middle of the park there’s Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu sidelined, and up front there’s Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe.
Ahead of the weekend, Farke revealed that Piroe and Nmecha are doubts for the Fulham game, and it all highlights what is now a very clear lack of squad depth at Elland Road.
There are still options for Farke, but certain options won’t prove exactly exciting for fans who have major concerns about how this season could pan out.
Brenden Aaronson during Leeds clash v Villarreal.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Brenden Aaronson could start for Leeds United against Fulham
Farke is no stranger to throwing in a somewhat surprise selection when matchday rolls around and on Saturday we could see the very controversial Brenden Aaronson start, having already come off the bench in each of Leeds’ opening three league games this season.
Leeds United fans were not impressed with Aaronson last season. Despite that, the 24-year-old scored nine times, playing in all 46 league games too, and with Tanaka and Ampadu still sidelined, and Ilia Gruev proving poor in the midfield, Farke could yet be forced to play Aaronson alongside Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach in midfield.
Aaronson could be the more attacking one of the three should they all start, and it would be a decision that would certainly garner a lot of criticism from fans.
Daniel Farke during a Leeds game.
Credit: Marc Atkins/Getty Images
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Daniel Farke’s message to Brenden Aaronson at Leeds United
In the summer, there was transfer interest in Aaronson at Leeds United. But the 24-year-old wanted to stay at Elland Road and fight for his place in the side, eager to prove his doubters wrong and perform in the Premier League at a second time of asking.
And speaking ahead of the weekend, Farke told Aaronson he needs to step up this season, along with three others in Dan James, Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison. Farke said: “Not just Willy, but Daniel James also has a point to prove on this level, also Jack Harrison after a good start, back to life, also right now still on the run to win all the supporters back.
“Brenden Aaronson also point to prove… So all my offensive players also need to step up.”
Expect Aaronson to get a few starts between now and January. This weekend against Fulham could be one of those times given the injuries in midfield, and if Aaronson starts then he really needs to grasp the chance with both hands, or risk falling out of favour, and eventually leaving the club.
Leeds paid good money for Aaronson and it’s about time he started to show fans how good he really is.