Leeds United fans were left wondering what was going on when the squad to face Villarreal was announced on Saturday, with five first-team players missing the game through injury.
New signings Sebastiaan Bornauw and Lucas Perri were nowhere to be seen, while Jack Harrison has seen a consultant today regarding a groin issue. Dan James and Jayden Bogle also have muscle problems.
All five are sidelined with muscular problems, and it is worrying. Even Daniel Farke admitted he has been left ‘concerned’ by Bogle’s injury in particular. Some are expected to be fit to face Milan on Saturday.
According to Leeds Live, Harrison, James and Perri are set to be available to face Milan while Bogle and Bornauw may be in a race against time to take on Everton. But muscle problems are difficult to manage.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesDaniel Farke has right to be concerned as signings dry up
It is concerning, given Leeds’ clash against Everton and their first Premier League game in two years is now just a fortnight away. Farke will have also hoped for more signings through the door, by now.
Leeds still lack a starting striker, a replacement for Manor Solomon, cover at full-back and competition for Brenden Aaronson in the 10 role. Jaka Bijol will be suspended for the opening match against Everton.
So, if all five are unavailable to face Everton and Bijol is missing, what is the best possible side that Farke can name ahead of the clash against David Moyes’ side at Elland Road? LeedsUnited.News takes a look.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty ImagesLeeds’ best XI right now to face Everton if all six are missing
While Farke says Perri should return, if the Brazilian is unable to play, Karl Darlow surely starts in goal. The veteran goalkeeper pulled off a couple of good saves against Villarreal, while Illan Meslier was untidy.
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Isaac Schmidt may have started against Villarreal, but if Bogle is not fit, Sam Byram surely gets the nod at right-back. Joe Rodon will have to be partnered by Pascal Struijk if Bornauw is out and Bijol is suspended.
One positive from Saturday was Gabriel Gudmundsson’s performance. Already, he is showing why Leeds signed him from Lille and got up and down the left flank well, lasting the entire 90 minutes for Farke.
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Saturday was also a glimpse at the midfield Farke has planned. Removing a no.10 for a more defensive-looking 4-3-3, with Ethan Ampadu sitting and two 8’s alongside. Likely, Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff.
Stach was arguably Leeds’ best player on Saturday. Brenden Aaronson started on the right on Saturday and will have given Farke something to think about, especially if James and Harrison are both injured.
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Willy Gnonto has been superb during pre-season, among the goals and looking lively. He starts on the right in the absence of James and with no winger signed, Largie Ramazani may get a chance on the left.
Patrick Bamford said Ramazani has been “flying” in pre-season and if Leeds fail to get a new winger in, and Harrison remains sidelined, then it might be a chance at the earliest opportunity for Ramazani.
Up top, it is a real dilemma for Farke. Leeds are still yet to sign a starting striker with Artem Dovbyk and Rodrigo Muniz among their targets. Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph are no longer in Farke’s plans.
If Leeds fail to get one in, and that is looking like a real possibility, then it will be a straight shootout. Joel Piroe, or Lukas Nmecha. Having scored four goals in pre-season, Piroe could lead the line against Everton.