The latest footage from Leeds United training suggests that Daniel Farke will be without a key player for their Premier League opener against Everton.
Daniel Farke is preparing to take charge of his first Premier League game as Leeds manager as the Whites take on Everton in their opening match.
Although Leeds have a relatively clean bill of health, Farke could have a selection headache in defence with Jaka Bijol suspended for the first match and doubts over the fitness of Jayden Bogle.
Bogle sat out Leeds’ final pre-season friendly against AC Milan with a hip flexor injury, and Farke stated that a late call would be made on his fitness for the Everton clash.
Now, Leeds’ latest training footage suggests that Bogle will play no part in the game against Everton, with Isaac Schmidt expected to take his place in the side.
Jayden Bogle playing for Leeds.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
A behind-the-scenes video which shows the Leeds squad being put through their paces on the verge of the Everton game was shared on the club’s YouTube channel.
While fans will be delighted to see Joel Piroe slam home two goals in the small-sided games, Bogle was the most notable absence in the video as Farke sweats on his fitness.
Both Isaac Schmidt and Sam Byram played a full part in the game, with Leeds’ left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson also featuring, which suggests all three will take part in the game against the Toffees.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
New signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin was also missing from the session, following his arrival at the club on the 15th August. Calvert-Lewin was registered in time to play, but his absence seems to suggest he will be limited to a place on the bench at most.
Piroe and Lukas Nmecha were both prominent in the video, with Willy Gnonto, Largie Ramzani and Jack Harrison all also featuring, which suggests all five will be in the squad for the first game of the season.
Jayden Bogle will be a big miss in Premier League opener
Although Farke will miss Bogle from a defensive perspective, the loss of his involvement in Leeds’ attack will be more damaging, as Farke still lacks the firepower he craves.
The arrival of Calvert-Lewin has taken some of the pressure off Leeds’ recruitment department, the Whites remain in the transfer market, having been linked with Bilal El Khannouss and Noah Okafor, amongst others, in recent weeks.
Jayden Bogle slides on his knees in celebration after scoring against Coventry City.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Bogle was a crucial cog in Leeds’ attack last season, contributing six goals and four assists with his marauding runs down the right flank.
Everton’s defence was rock solid under David Moyes last season, conceding the fewest goals outside of the top four. The task of breaking it down will be even harder without the dynamic Bogle at right-back.