Ethan Ampadu’s injury against Everton was a massive blow, and his absence against Arsenal was telling. Now it has transpired that Ao Tanaka could also be missing for Leeds United.
Speaking after the defeat to Arsenal, Farke confirmed that Tanaka picked up an injury and would need to be assessed before confirming whether he would be available to play against Sheffield Wednesday.
While that suggests the injury is only short-term and more of a knock, some unconfirmed reports suggest that he may have an MCL injury like Ampadu. Either way, his absence highlights a lack of options.
Leeds could re-enter the market in the final week for a midfielder and there is one option, previously linked with Leeds, that boss Farke knows he can rely on. Borussia Monchengladbach’s Julian Weigl.
Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu for Leeds.
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Leeds linked with Julian Weigl again as exit becomes more likely
Leeds were linked with Weigl earlier this summer, after Farke held an impromptu interview about a possible move for the Gladbach midfielder. A player he worked with during his time as Gladbach gaffer.
An experienced head, Weigl is available for a bargain fee between £4.2m and £8.4m. Now, Bild say that Leeds remain interested and could make a move, but face competition from Saudi Arabia side Al Shabab.
Julian Weigl captains Gladbach.
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Interestingly, a move to Al Shabab would see the Middle Eastern outfit replace Glen Kamara, after the Finland international spent the second half of last season on loan there with his Rennes move flopping.
What Gladbach’s sporting director has said about Julian Weigl
Weigl was nowhere to be seen in Gladbach’s squad on Sunday, their first league game of the season ending 0-0 with newly-promoted Hamburg. Gladbach’s sporting director discussed Weigl afterwards.
Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United.
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Roland Virkus told Bild on Weigl: “The important thing was: He asked us to release him for talks. We are also in talks. That’s true. But that doesn’t mean he won’t return to the squad if they fail. That’s open.”
The report then mentions Leeds and Al Shabab. So, there is the possibility that Leeds go in for a third midfielder after adding Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, and it could be another Germany international.