Daniel Farke held what could easily be his last pre-match press conference as Leeds United manager on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of Wednesday night’s clash against Chelsea at Elland Road.
Despite the encouragement of a near-comeback at Man City and proof that Daniel Farke can change his tactics if required, reports emerged this week stating Farke has to get a result in the next two matches.
Prediction time for Leeds United v Chelsea
Daniel Farke and Enzo Maresca.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Easier said than done. Leeds face Chelsea and then Liverpool at Elland Road, but they face a Chelsea side that will be without Moises Caicedo, while duo Cole Palmer and Reece James will not play 90 minutes.
Perhaps a good time to play Chelsea, who come into the game with a day less rest having drawn with Arsenal on Sunday. Farke discussed his side’s injury issues going into the clash with the London side.
Dan James warms up ahead of Leeds United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Daniel Farke’s updates on Dan James, Anton Stach and more
Leeds have injury issues. Sean Longstaff could miss seven more games, while Farke confirmed Dan James picked up a hamstring issue against Man City. It was the reason why the Welshman went off at half-time.
However, Anton Stach, James Justin and Sebastiaan Bornauw should all be available tomorrow night. It was just a knock that forced Justin off at City, while Stach has observed concussion protocols after Villa.
Here what Daniel Farke had to say ahead of clash v Chelsea 😎
A big week for Farke and his future as Leeds manager
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Farke confirmed that Stach is back in training and available, but James will be missing for eight weeks due to his hamstring injury – and more, if the winger requires surgery.
“Good news with Anton. Since Sunday, he’s in training and definitely available. On the other side, some disappointing news. Dan James has a hamstring tendon injury; it depends on whether he needs surgery.
“As it stands, it looks like he could do it conservatively; he could miss the next eight weeks. He will be out for the next two months. It’s tough; everyone knows how much I love Dan James. He is a key player.”
Who starts for Leeds United after Daniel Farke’s update?
Lucas Perri endured another shaky moment against Man City, failing to deal with a corner that led to Josko Gvardiol scoring. But Karl Darlow was missing and it looks as if the Brazilian will continue in goal.
The big question mark is whether Farke will use the 3-5-2 that worked well in the second half against Man City, or revert to 4-3-3. Fans will be incredibly frustrated if Farke decides not to use his 3-5-2 formation.
Four changes in our predicted Leeds United XI v Chelsea
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Enzo Maresca is not sure what Farke will do. A three-man defence of Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk would be the route Farke goes down, if he does opt to change his Leeds formation from the off.
With Stach fit again, he comes in for Ilia Gruev alongside Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka, with Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jayden Bogle at wing-back. Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha lead the Leeds attack.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox