The Leeds United boss has a big decision to make amid concerns Dan James could miss Saturday's trip to Wolves through injury.
Daniel Farke could be another attacker down when Leeds United go to Wolves on Saturday amid concerns over the fitness of Dan James. The Welsh winger came off the bench during last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Fulham but lasted just 10 minutes before pulling up, to eventually be replaced by Willy Gnonto.
“The plan was to use a bit more rested Daniel James on the counter with his pace to make things happen,” Farke said after the defeat at Craven Cottage. “Unlucky he got a hit into his body and we were forced to substitute him off. Very unlucky development and I hope it's not too bad. I hope it's nothing major so he's available pretty soon."
Farke will provide a fresh update on James when he speaks with the press later this week but if he is to miss this weekend’s trip to Wolves, a decision will need to be taken at right-wing. Below, the YEP assesses who might suit that role best for what is a huge clash at Molineux.
Brenden Aaronson
It was interesting to see Aaronson replace James in the starting line-up at Fulham, with Farke’s reasoning being the American was fully rested, trained well all week and would ‘do the hard work against a really good Fulham left side’ that had Ryan Sessegnon bombing forward from left-back at every opportunity. But while the energy was there, the difference-making quality in possession was not.
Wolves are likely to play a back-three with wing-backs on Saturday, and so perhaps Aaronson’s defensive work-rate is valued by Farke from the start. Leeds should see this as a game they can dominate and win, however, and to win they need attackers on the pitch who can create and score goals - something the 24-year-old is yet to prove he can do.
Jack Harrison
Another who Farke knows will do the necessary defensive work against an attacking Wolves wing-back, Harrison also has a decent personal record against the Midlands club. The winger has three goals and one assist in his last five starts against Saturday’s hosts and scored in a 1-1 draw for Everton at Molineux in March.
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Harrison is more naturally a left-winger and came on in that position at Fulham last weekend, but the 28-year-old can do a job on the other side just as comfortably, and by cutting inside could open up space for Jayden Bogle to overlap. But like Aaronson, the attacking form just isn’t there at the minute, and Leeds desperately need forwards who can contribute now.
Willy Gnonto
Farke will surely see Saturday’s meeting with pointless Wolves as a chance to impose his more dominant style of play and so Gnonto’s stock should rise. The Italian has arguably been Leeds’ most dangerous looking winger and his inclination to drift inside compliments right-back Bogle perfectly, with the pair linking up brilliantly already this season.
Gnonto’s ability to drift into central areas could also make up for the lack of No.10 in Leeds’ 4-3-3 formation, offering that link between midfield and striker. And on the evidence of this season at least, Farke need not worry about his defensive efforts, with the 21-year-old second in the entire squad - behind Aaronson - for tackle attempts and tackles won per 90 minutes according to FBRef.
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