Leeds United’s trip down to Fulham this afternoon sees Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha as injury doubts, paving the way for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to start for the first time.
When Farke spoke to the press on Thursday, he was eager to put a disappointed end to the summer window behind him.
Attacking signings were saved until last, but after wide man Noah Okafor, all attempts were in vain as Farke was forced to settle.
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Leeds United team news confirmed pre-Fulham: Farke has striker headache
Speaking this week ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage, Farke delivered some mixed team news.
Confirming Lucas Perri is absent for two games due to a quad strain, the German also revealed doubts for striker duo Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe.
Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha have been confirmed injury doubts ahead of Fulham v Leeds United (REUTERS/Scott Heppell)
“Lukas Nmecha got a hit on his foot and missed training yesterday,” Farke told LUFC. “Joel Piroe also got hit in his calf and has a big bruise. We’ll have to wait to see how he reacts in the next 48 hours.”
There was positive news for Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka, who returned to team training earlier this week. Both suffered MCL setbacks in August and were given a return date of after the recent international break.
Door wide open for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s first Leeds United start after confirmed team news
If we’re to read into the wording of Farke’s comments, we can be reasonably confident that at least one of Piroe or Nmecha will be fit enough to travel today.
Minor knocks in training aren’t as alarming as a muscle problem, but it opens the door. Namely, for Leeds’ third striker: Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is looking to get off the mark with his first goal in Leeds United colours. (REUTERS/Jaimi Joy)
The free transfer has made one Premier League cameo off the bench against Newcastle United, in which he showed confidence.
Striving to drag Leeds up the field with aerial presence, he could have made his home debut in perfect fashion. Only to be denied by a combination of Dan Burn’s lunge and Nick Pope’s big leg, thwarting his low drive.
It’s well documented how Leeds have struggled thus far to create and finish chances after three games. Farke, though, is ready to bring a really strong addition in his eyes into the lineup.
“Dominic is a proven player at Premier League level,” Farke told LUFC upon landing the England international. “As a newly promoted side, it’s important with all new signings, that they have already delivered at the top level, are still at a good age and on the way up in their career – Dominic ticked all these.”
Whether or not he’s up to speed after missing all of pre-season remains to be seen. That being said, him starting is probably a case of needs must, given other setbacks confirmed by Farke this week.
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