Four injuries hampered Daniel Farke’s Leeds United selection for the 1-1 draw with Villarreal at Elland Road on Saturday and the German coach said he is concerned by Jayden Bogle in particular.
Bogle, 25, has been struggling with a hip flexor injury was left out of the squad for the visit of the La Liga side. Farke said he is concerned as to whether the defender will recover for next weekend’s AC Milan friendly, taking place at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
“(He had) problems with his hip flexor,” said Farke. “That’s a bit of a concern, if I’m honest, because I’m not sure if I will have him available for our final test.
“I hope to have him at least available then during the last week of preparation (before Everton) because he’s an important player for us. We all know we need, in the offence, additions, but also see in the full-back positions, if there is an injury of a player like Jayden, we are also a bit thin.”
Wingers Daniel James and Jack Harrison were also absent from the Villarreal draw. The former seems more likely to be available in Dublin next weekend, but the latter is awaiting the results of a scan on a groin injury.
“Daniel James had light problems during this week,” Farke said. “I didn’t want to risk anything, but I expect him also to be available for our last test against AC Milan.
“Jack had every training session and also all the games until after the training camp. Right now, he’s struggling with a few adductor problems. He had a scan and now we wait for the outcome. He will also see a consultant on Monday. We hope it’s just a question of a few days he will miss.
“I hope to also have him available for the Milan game, but we have to wait for the outcome.”
Lucas Perri, who signed for the best part of £14million ($18.6m; €16m) from Lyon last month, was among the new faces supporters wanted to see in Saturday’s game. However, the goalkeeper was not ready for his debut. The Brazilian stopper has had a disrupted start to life at Leeds, but is now back in training and could feature next weekend.
“He came with a light injury, so he was not involved in team training,” Farke said. “So far, he had a few days of rehab and also building physical fitness because the last days were also a bit difficult for him.
“It’s always busy with signings and travelling and whatever. Since yesterday, he’s also back in specific goalkeeper training with our goalkeeper coach.
“Tomorrow, or later next week, he will join us in team training. Lucas, we believe in him, in his quality. He needs a bit of time on the training pitch to step up.”
Leeds begin their Premier League season with a home match against Everton on August 18.
(Photo: George Wood/Getty Images)