As much as Daniel Farke is taking plenty of criticism at the moment, it has to be said that the summer recruitment at Leeds United was far from optimal.
The Whites’ start to life back in the Premier League was very encouraging. However, it’s since tailed off and leaves Daniel Farke staring down the barrel at a dismissal.
In order to turn his fortunes around, he’s going to need shock results against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
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Daniel Farke reveals Leeds United team news – Sebastiaan Bornauw still struggling with injury
Farke’s pre-match press conference brought a brutal injury update from the middle of midfield. Sean Longstaff has picked up a calf issue that rules him out for four-to-six weeks, likely to be out until the new year.
Mweanwhile, Anton Stach’s head injury against Aston Villa sees him sit out due to concussion protocols. Farke shared that the club hope Stach can return to full training from Sunday onward, meaning he’d likely return against Chelsea.
Sebastiaan Bornauw is yet to feature in the Premier League for Leeds United. (Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough)
Elsewhere, Sebastiaan Bornauw still looks like an injury concern for Farke. He revealed that the Belgian centre-back is still struggling with an MCL issue, unable to train this week as a result.
49ers wasted millions on Sebastiaan Bornauw investment, and it’s backfiring for Leeds United
Bornauw joined Leeds for a reported £5million fee from Wolfsburg during July, adding much-needed depth to the squad.
On face value, a relatively experienced centre-back to provide cover to the squad was a wise move. However, his injury issues were a notable concern before he’d even arrived at the club, and have been realised ever since joining.
His only appearance thus far was in a shaky outing against Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup. But granted, virtually everyone apart from the subs was poor that night.
But, he’s not been able to have any impact in the Premier League thus far. Even if Farke were intending to call upon Bornauw as an option, he’s only been fit enough for the bench in five league games this season. He’s been ruled out for an alarming seven matches. Soon to be eight if he can’t make the bench at the Etihad.
Knowing how tight money ended up being for Leeds to make attacking signings, it begs the question of why Leeds portioned £5million for a centre-back that probably won’t make a Premier League start unless we have a major injury crisis.
Max Wöber was loaned out, but could have been kept as a squad player that could also cover at left-back. There were definitely more cost-effective options out there for Leeds than dishing out £5million on Bornauw. At the moment, we don’t look like ever being able to lean on his presence.
Read more: Leeds United predicted XI to face Manchester City.