Leeds United will look to focus on taking on Nottingham Forest in a big game at Elland Road after the transfer window closed on Monday night.
The Whites didn’t sign anyone on deadline day despite their interest in signing a striker and the talk of them making a late push to sign Krasnodar captain Eduard Spertsyan.
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Facundo Buonanotte’s loan arrival from Brighton earlier in the window remains the only signing Leeds made during the January transfer period.
The focus will now shift to the action on the pitch, and Leeds and Nottingham Forest are set to play in a big game on Friday night that could have major ramifications for the survival chances of both teams.
Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest team news ahead of Friday night kick-off
Farke will be desperate to see his team put the 4-0 defeat at home against Arsenal behind them and produce a commanding performance at Elland Road.
However, the Leeds boss is sweating on the fitness of a few players ahead of the game. Lukas Nmecha is still recovering from a hamstring issue, and there are concerns around Jaka Bijol as well.
The defender has missed the last three games with a hamstring problem, but there is a small chance that he will be fit to feature against Forest on Friday night.
Daniel James has returned to training, but he didn’t make the bench against Arsenal. There are doubts about whether he will be ready to be in the squad against Forest.
James Justin is the latest player to join the sick list at Leeds after he picked up an injury against Arsenal. He is a major doubt for the game on Friday night.
Nottingham Forest also have major concerns and players out injured going into the game against Leeds.
Neco Williams, Nicolo Savona, John Victor and Chris Wood are all out for the Leeds game. Goalkeeper Matz Sels was taken off at half-time against Palace on Sunday for a suspected groin injury and is doubtful for the game.
Callum Hudson-Odoi was also taken off at the break on Sunday, and there are question marks over his availability against Leeds.
Leeds need a response on the pitch against Forest
The 4-0 defeat at home against Arsenal was a chastening experience for a Leeds side who have been more than resilient and tough to play against at Elland Road.
Leeds’ failure to sign anyone on deadline day has also dampened the mood around the club, and they need to produce a performance at home on Friday night.
A win over Forest will restore confidence in the squad and push them further towards safety in the Premier League table this season.
However, a poor result on Friday night could bring back talk of relegation despite the six-point cushion Leeds have at this stage of the campaign.
It’s not a make-or-break situation for Leeds, but in the context of the last few days, the team need a win against their relegation rivals at Elland Road.