Exclusive: Major boost for Farke as Leeds “leader” recovering from knee injury far quicker than expected

Leeds United have been handed a major boost on the injury front ahead of their clash with Sheffield United as they look to continue their strong start to the Championship season.

Leeds injury updates and team news

In an attempt to become the first team this season to defeat the Blades and get closer to the top of the Championship standings, Daniel Farke’s team will host Sheffield United at Elland Road on Friday night. Leeds, who are currently in fifth place after a difficult start to the season, have drew both of their previous games, including one against Sunderland, who are at the top of the table, when they lost all three points due to a late mistake by Illan Meslier. However, they have some personnel concerns going into their Yorkshire derby. Ao Tanaka, who played 90 minutes for Japan on Tuesday afternoon, and Brenden Aaronson, who has started seven of their first nine games, are unlikely to be able to start against the Blades after playing 90 minutes for the USA on Wednesday morning (UK time). It will put strain on a Leeds team already overburdened by injuries, but Farke gave a positive update on that front, stating that two of his forwards—Dan James and summer recruit Manor Solomon—should be able to return to action against Sheffield United.

“Good news”, he revealed. “Daniel and Manor are since late last week back in team training. Major parts of team training.” And there was more good news from the Leeds boss.

“Leader” ahead of schedule on injury

This occurs when Leeds struggles with three knee ailments, as Max Wober, Ilia Gruev, and Ethan Ampadu were all out early in the season. Furthermore, Wober is ahead of schedule, according to Farke, whereas Ampadu and Gruev are predicted to miss the remainder of 2024 and maybe the first part of 2025.

Despite not playing for Farke’s team this season due to injuries, the center-back—who former manager Jesse Marsch called a “leader” during his tenure at Elland Road—was “ahead of schedule” and “may be back before the next [international] break,” which is less than a month away, according to Farke.

His comeback may also have significant ramifications, as Farke may be able to move Pascal Struijk into midfield as needed as he attempts to address the injury crisis in the Leeds engine room. The Dutch defender has played for Leeds in the Premier League and Championship with varying degrees of success, but the Leeds manager has not yet asked Struijk to do so.

Even though it’s far from ideal, Wober’s return might be crucial to Leeds’ tactical change if they are unable to bring in another player after their attempt to sign Cheikhou Kouyate failed.

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