There was a glimmer of a chance that James Justin might start on Saturday afternoon, in what would have been his first start for Leeds United since joining the club from Leicester City.
His £10m arrival in the summer has since been met with question marks. Why spend £10m on Justin when that money could have been put towards signing another attacker, with Leeds on the PSR borderline?
But Justin’s importance and indeed, the reason for his arrival at the club, was on show during last Friday’s win over West Ham. Justin entered the fray just before the half-time break, replacing Gabi Gudmundsson.
Gudmundsson seemed to fall awkwardly, possibly onto Jaka Bijol’s studs, and limped off. It gave Justin his first meaningful appearance in a Leeds shirt, and the stats show Justin handled his outing extremely well.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesWhat Daniel Farke thinks about new Leeds ace James Justin
Farke provided an injury update on Thursday and confirmed every single player is available, even if Willy Gnonto won’t be available to start. It means Gudmundsson will be fit to start on Saturday at Brighton.
Just as Justin’s hopes of a start may have grown, they have been dashed. Yet, Farke was left impressed with the summer signing and believes he has shown he is capable of playing for Leeds at this level.
“The last game proved why we were so desperate to sign James Justin. Proven Premier League player, to come into this game without a proper warm-up, come in and defend against Jarrod Bowen,” he said.
“Justin is pretty versatile, so when Jayden or Gabi is struggling, he put his marker down and is capable to play. Solid and reliable. I loved his performance; nothing dropped. James proved he can play at this level.”
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How Leeds could line-up on Saturday with Gudmundsson fit
With Gudmundsson fit and ready to start, the chances are that 10 of the 11 that helped beat West Ham will retain their place. Brenden Aaronson will stay in, after producing his best display in a Leeds shirt.
That is despite Dan James and Willy Gnonto now fit, though Gnonto won’t start. Noah Okafor will be fitter after a week of training and the first half against West Ham. Jaka Bijol and Lucas Perri retain their place.
The only position in the team that remains up for debate is Ao Tanaka’s spot. Leeds will need to be ugly against Brighton and Tanaka is not that kind of player. Anton Stach may come back in for the Japan star.