Daniel Farke spoke a day earlier than normal on Wednesday afternoon, with Leeds United’s clash against West Ham United taking place on Friday night at Elland Road.
A clash between two sides expected to be fighting against the threat of relegation come the end of the season, with Leeds currently in 16th on eight points and West Ham in the bottom three, on just four.
Leeds boast home advantage on Friday night, but come into the game having suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss away at fellow newly-promoted side Burnley last time out. Leeds dominated, but couldn’t score.
Micah Richards even said Leeds were “excellent”. Meanwhile, West Ham come into the match having been easily beaten by Brentford at the London Stadium. Both sides will be looking to bounce back with a win.
Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto
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Daniel Farke delivers injury update ahead of West Ham clash
Ahead of the press conference, it was expected that Farke would have a few more options when picking his side. Dan James has recovered from an ankle injury in quick time, and came on as a sub at Burnley.
Willy Gnonto should be back in training after resolving his calf issues and recovering from a hernia op. Lucas Perri was only on the bench after his quad injury, but is now available to start against West Ham.
Noah Okafor and Harry Gray remain doubts, due to adductor and hip issues. Now, Farke has given a new update on the injury status of his squad, confirming late decisions on Gnonto and Okafor ahead of Friday.
The Leeds United team. including Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk
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Farke also confirmed that Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk missed training: “We have to take some late decisions. We have problems in the offence. Noah Okafor and Willy Gnonto are making good progress.
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“In terms of their rehab, but they weren’t able to complete training this week. Noah wasn’t out as long as Willy, so it might be more realistic to include him, but there will be some late decisions; we will see.
“Some players are struggling with illness. Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk missed team training today, with question marks around their availability. Some late calls, and we will see,” Farke continued.
How Leeds could line-up on Friday night amid Farke’s update
With Perri, James and Gnonto now all available, Farke does at least have a few more options to choose from. The first decision Farke needs to make is in goal, with Karl Darlow yet to serve up a clean sheet.
He’s failed to do so in five games, and Perri has two in three prior to his injury. The Brazilian could now start against West Ham, while a decision also needs to be made at centre-back alongside Joe Rodon.
Aidy White thinks Jaka Bijol should start over Pascal Struijk. Brenden Aaronson may need taking out of the firing line amid the criticism he has received after missing his chance against Burnley, hitting the post.
Leeds United centre-back and vice captain Pascal Struijk
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With Struijk a doubt, it is likely Bijol comes in. If Ampadu is unable to play, Ilia Gruev may deputise but the Wales star is made of stern stuff and if he is only a doubt, the chances are that Farke throws him in.
Gnonto is unlikely to be available to start, but James could. LeedsUnited.News predicts three changes to face West Ham. In come Perri, Bijol and James for Darlow, Struijk and Aaronson on the right of the attack.