Daniel Farke thrilled after what happened to Ao Tanaka away from Leeds United on Friday
Ao Tanaka has been an incredible addition to the Leeds United squad since arriving from Fortuna Dusseldorf during the summer.
With Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev sidelined at the same time, the midfielder has been crucial to maintaining Leeds’ form, creating a partnership with Joe Rothwell in the middle of the park.
The aforementioned injured duo have already been joined by Largie Ramazani in the treatment room so Farke cannot afford any more blows over the international break.
With that in mind, the manager will be buzzing over Tanaka’s involvement with the Japanese national team, having started on the bench for the 4-0 win over Indonesia on Friday 15 November.
With the Japanese claiming a comfortable win in their World Cup qualification game, the 26-year-old was not needed on the pitch at all, only being a bystander for his team.
Leeds United ready to welcome Ao Tanaka home unscathed
As previously mentioned, Tanaka has been instrumental to the Whites so far this season, and even with the addition of Josuha Guilavogui, Farke will be in no mood to lose another midfielder.
The manager has even handed debuts to academy graduates Charlie Crew and Sam Chambers, though they are also both away with their respective countries right now.
Japan still have one more game of the November break to play, coming up against China on Tuesday 19 November, but Leeds’ main focus will be on the minimal game time for their star player.
The likes of Joe Rodon, Junior Firpo, Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto are all likely to be involved in international games over the next few days, and Farke will already be sweating over the fitness of all of them.
However, he can remain calm knowing that Tanaka may only play 90 minutes of football between now and when domestic football returns, with Leeds facing Swansea City on Sunday 24 November.
In other Leeds United news, a “stumbling block” has emerged for a possible Elland Road exit ahead of the January transfer window.
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