Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has given an update on the prospects of Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe returning to the squad to face Wolves at Molineux.
Both Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe sat out the heartbreaking last-minute defeat against Fulham through injury, in a blow to Daniel Farke.
Leeds suffered from the absence of both players as they struggled to consistently trouble Fulham’s defence, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin missing Leeds’ best chance of the game.
With doubts over the fitness of Dan James and Willy Gnonto heading into the game against Wolves, Farke is currently enduring a mini injury crisis as he looks to unlock Leeds’ faltering attack in the Premier League.
Now, he has provided an update on the fitness of Tanaka and Piroe as the Whites prepare for a crucial encounter against Wolves.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesLeeds United manager provides update on Ao Tanaka and Joel Piroe
Speaking in his weekly press conference ahead of the game at Molineux, Farke delivered the news that Leeds fans were hoping for on the availability of the injured pair.
According to Farke, both players have played a full role in training in the week building up to the Wolves game and could both be involved this weekend. Farke said: “For Ao Tanaka, it was important to have the first full training week with us after his long-term injury.
“Last game, he just had two sessions before the game, so it was clear he wasn’t ready for the starting line-up.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
“Once you have a full training session, same for Joel Piroe, then you’re also back in contention, but there’s also competition. Our midfield players, for example, have delivered really well, so it’s also not easy.
“For Ao Tanaka, who was outstanding before his injury. So it’s competition, it’s always the same. If you deliver, then you keep your place. If you’re struggling a bit, there’s a chance for another player who impresses, perhaps in training. This is how it works.
“So deliver good performance in training, wait patiently for your chance. If you get your chance, be prepared and grab it, and then you stay in the team.”
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesTanaka can help to unlock Leeds’ faltering attack
Although Leeds’ forward line has borne the brunt of the criticism for their side’s lack of Premier League goals this season, the midfield players should also take their share of the responsibility.
Farke picked a three-man midfield designed to disrupt Fulham’s flow for the game at Craven Cottage, as Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach provided Leeds with a stable base which so nearly delivered a clean sheet.
Leeds managed just 132 passes in the Fulham half, compared to 208 for Fulham, with Karl Darlow playing the most passes into the final third for Leeds, with 11.
Ampadu was the only other Leeds player to reach double figures, with 10 final third passes, as Stach and Longstaff made just three each, according to FotMob.
Tanaka made seven passes into the final third in the opening win against Everton, when the Leeds midfield looked its most cohesive. His return can help to take some of the strain off Farke’s struggling attack.