Daniel Farke faces a midfield headache ahead of their Newcastle clash on Saturday afternoon with Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu out with injury.
The Leeds captain Ampadu suffered an MCL injury during Leeds’ Premier League opener against Everton at Elland Road. He subsequently missed the Arsenal game and the Whites suffered for it.
During the Gunners game, Tanaka went off and down the tunnel in the 58th minute. Since then Adam Pope revealed on X that Tanaka will be out for ‘several weeks.’
In light of Tanaka and Ampadu’s injuries, Leeds have again been rumoured to be linked with midfielder Julian Weigl, but it remains to be seen if the Whites will target another midfielder before the window closes.
For now, Daniel Farke will need to solve the issue of who lines up in midfield against Newcastle on Saturday.
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Three ways Daniel Farke could line up in midfield
Ilia Gruev, Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach
A Leeds United midfield with Ilia Gruev, Sean Longstaff, and Anton Stach offers a strong, balanced trio. Gruev would act as a composed defensive anchor. Longstaff provides energy as a box-to-box midfielder, while Stach adds a physical presence, winning duels and driving forward. Together, their combined strengths would provide a solid and dynamic engine room for the team.
This combination is perfectly suited to exploit Newcastle’s current midfield woes with the absence of both Joelinton and Tonali. The relentless energy of Longstaff and Stach’s physicality would overwhelm Newcastle’s weakened central players, winning the ball high and launching quick attacks into a vulnerable defence.
Leeds United v AC Milan, pre-season friendly match, Dublin.
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Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach, Brenden Aaronson
This midfield trio would offer a more attack-focused setup. Sean Longstaff remains the box-to-box man and Anton Stach’s ball-carrying ability would be vital. Brenden Aaronson, operating as the creative hub, would link the midfield and attack. His high-pressing intensity and skill would make him an ideal threat alongside Longstaff and Stach, creating chances and helping to win the ball back high up the pitch.
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With Fabian Schar out, Newcastle’s defence loses their most capable ball-playing defender. This trio would exploit that by pressing Newcastle’s backline. Aaronson’s pressing would force a hurried pass from the back, which Longstaff and Stach would be ready to intercept. This setup could dominate the middle of the park and create numerous scoring opportunities.
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Ilia Gruev, Anton Stach, Brenden Aaronson
This midfield combination would prioritise creativity and control. Ilia Gruev would be the deep-lying playmaker, dictating the tempo with his strong passing range. Anton Stach provides the physical presence and is a reliable ball carrier, giving the midfield a strong core. Finally, Brenden Aaronson operates as the advanced creator, with his relentless pressing and ability to find pockets of space.
The loss of Joelinton and Tonali severely limits Newcastle’s ability to control the game. Gruev would calmly pick out passes to exploit this space, while Stach’s strength prevents counter-attacks. Aaronson would be free to cause chaos, as Newcastle’s depleted midfield would struggle to track his movement. This setup would allow Leeds to dominate possession and exploit Newcastle’s lack of defensive structure.