Daniel Farke provided his weekly injury update during Thursday’s press conference ahead of the trip to Brighton this weekend, in what is expected to be a tough test for The Whites.
Peter Crouch has already predicted a 3-1 win for Brighton, with Leeds not scoring a single goal away at Brighton since 2012. Leeds have a dismal record against Brighton over the years, a difficult test for them.
Brighton, though, do have concerns. James Milner’s chances of a reunion with Leeds are doubtful, with the Thorp Arch star picking up a muscle injury. Six other Brighton stars are also doubtful for Saturday.
They come into the match after playing on Wednesday night, losing to Arsenal in the last 16 2-0. It was a second defeat in a row for Brighton, who were beaten in the Premier League by Man United last weekend.
Gabriel Gudmundsson lies on his back in pain.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Daniel Farke delivers injury update ahead of Brighton clash
Going into Farke’s press conference, there were two doubts. Willy Gnonto has recovered from a calf injury and a hernia operation, but West Ham came too soon for him. Gabriel Gudmundsson is also a doubt.
The Swede came off early, with James Justin impressing at left-back. On Thursday, Farke said he has a clean bill of health, with everyone in training, including Gudmundsson. He does say Gnonto won’t start.
“Yes, way better. Nothing to report, nothing to complain about. No illnesses, no injuries, everyone in training, we have a proper group, everyone is available, proper competition. A much better situation.
“Willy Gnonto has trained for the first time after a calf injury and surgery, his first training week. He won’t start, but his first full training week, and we will see if we take him. No one is missing. It’s the way I like it.”
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How Leeds will line-up against Brighton after Farke’s update…
Gudmundsson is available, but whether he is fit enough to start against Brighton remains to be seen. What may have convinced Farke, is James Justin’s impressive display when replacing the summer signing.
It may tempt Farke to bring Justin in from the start on Saturday. Meanwhile, Farke is likely to stick with Brenden Aaronson after producing arguably his best-ever performance in a Leeds shirt against West Ham.
Leeds need to keep it tight and make it ugly against Brighton and amid concerns surrounding Ao Tanaka and his physicality, Anton Stach may start. Noah Okafor should also be ready to start on Saturday.
LeedsUnited.Newspredicts two changes to the side that played against West Ham, with Justin and Stach coming into the side to face Brighton. Dan James, Pascal Struijk and Ao Tanaka will be on the bench.