Leeds United manager Daniel Farke issued the latest injury news as he prepares his side to take on West Ham this Friday.
Leeds have approached must-win territory this week whether Daniel Farke wishes to admit it or not. After defeat away to Burnley, the Whites face West Ham at home this Friday night.
Nuno Espirito Santo, meanwhile, has his work cut out to transform the Irons after their abysmal showing on Monday night against Brentford.
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Leeds United team news pre-West Ham: Four injury doubts confirmed by Daniel Farke
Leeds’ weaknesses against Burnley were in their attacking output, unable to create and convert chances to win a crucial game.
Farke wasn’t helped by absences for Noah Okafor and Willy Gnonto, leaving him short of winger options at Turf Moor. As Leeds prepare for West Ham, Farke confirmed that the pair are recovering this week, but face late fitness tests to be available for Friday.
Leeds United are hoping that Noah Okafor and Willy Gnonto are fit to face West Ham, after recent injuries. (Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs)
Elsewhere, Farke also revealed two fresh doubts from a defensive perspective. Both Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu had been missing from training this week due to illness.
Their fitness struggles leave them also in doubt for this weekend. Lastly, Farke also noted that injury has stopped Anton Stach from maintaining his form. The German has been suffering from a recent broken finger and a rib issue.
Door wide open for Jaka Bijol’s Premier League debut after Leeds United injury news
Out wide, there’s concerns at Leeds being able to replicate the form they managed when Okafor was hitting form prior to the break. Dan James being back available is a boost, though.
However, at centre-back is where Farke might be considering a change.
Pascal Struijk was brilliant prior to the Spurs defeat. However, their two goals brought plenty of (I think unjust) criticism for the Dutchman, and he didn’t exactly put shut the naysayers up at Turf Moor.
Struijk wasn’t the man at fault for Burnley’s first. Although, him giving away possession cheaply ultimately led to the Clarets going down the other end and scoring the second.
With Jaka Bijol sat on the bench every week, there surely comes a time when he deserves his chance. After all, he was more than good enough on duty with Slovenia despite his lack of minutes.
Struijk not being 100% might just swing the door wide open for Farke to make what is becoming a fairly straightforward decision.
Read more: Nuno Espirito Santo not happy with West Ham performances ahead of Leeds United trip…