Leeds United summer signing Harry Wilson is hoping to be available for next weekend’s Premier League trip to Arsenal.
Leeds United winger Harry Wilson faces a race against time to be fit and available for next weekend’s Premier League trip to Arsenal.
Wilson hasn’t had it all his way since joining Leeds on a free transfer from Fulham in the summer. The 29-year-old is yet to open his Whites account, with six appearances bringing neither a goal nor an assist.
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Manager Daniel Farke decided to drop Wilson for Leeds’ second league game of the season at home to Brentford and a good run of team form has kept him out of the starting-XI. The Welshman then missed last month’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace through injury.
Harry Wilson hasn’t had it all his way at Leeds United.placeholder image
Harry Wilson hasn’t had it all his way at Leeds United. | Steve Riding
“Sadly Harry Wilson is out for this game with a quad injury, some problems after last game,” Farke said ahead in the build-up to that game. “He’ll also probably miss the Welsh games. I hope to have Harry Wilson back on the other side of the international break.”
Farke’s international prediction proved correct with Wilson pulling out of Wales duty the day after Leeds’ goalless draw with Palace. The winger is instead spending the break with compatriot Joe Rodon on the Thorp Arch treatment table.
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From a Leeds perspective at least, Wilson’s injury came at a manageable time due to the extended three-week international break. It means an absence of over three weeks could still see him sit out just one match.
Wilson still has another nine days before Leeds head to the Emirates, by which point he’ll need to be fully involved in training to be available. Farke has regularly gone on record to say he cannot include someone in a matchday squad if they haven’t trained with the group.
A muscle injury also tends to require more careful management than an impact problem, given the increased vulnerability to aggravating the issue. The fact Leeds have been in impressive form without Wilson means there is no need to rush him back.
Leeds have actually been playing without a typical right-winger for several weeks, Farke instead opting for a midfield three and front two. One of those attacking pair is Noah Okafor, who tends to drift out towards the left.
Right-sided width has tended to come from wing-back Jayden Bogle, with that side much more fluid. The attack-minded right-back pushes right into the final third with right-sided centre-back James Justin more than comfortable moving out wide to back him up.
It’s a system that has worked well for Leeds recently which alleviates any pressure to rush Wilson back. The winger himself will be desperate to be involved next weekend, however, with a desire to get off the mark at his new club.