Daniel Farke will be nervous as Ao Tanaka decision made away from Leeds United
Leeds United don’t have many midfield options left, and Ao Tanaka starting for Japan against Australia will undoubtedly make Daniel Farke nervous.
In recent weeks, the German manager has had to contend with injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gurev, who had been the preferred pairing in the middle of the park.
Subsequently, the Whites are left with only Joe Rothwell and Tanaka as the two experienced options Farke can count on.
The duo started in the 2-2 draw against Sunderland, and if not for the Illan Meslier howler at the end, it would’ve been a perfect outing.
However, Rothwell and Tanaka proved that Farke could rely on them to provide the quality needed despite the injury crisis.
But with the Japanese star being handed his first international start against Australia on 15 October at the Saitama Stadium, Farke and fans alike will be watching through their fingers.
Daniel Farke and Leeds United can’t afford to lose Ao Tanaka
While the international break offers a chance for club fans to take a break, it comes with the anxiety of players potentially coming back injured.
It is often said that club teams are at their worst after their players return from long journeys with their national side, and that can often be seen on the pitch.
Additionally, with the footballing getting congested, the chances of a player returning with a knock have also increased.
Hopefully, that won’t be the case for Tanaka, who was an unused substitute in Japan’s previous fixture against Saudi Arabia on 10 October.
However, another thing that needs to be considered is that even if the 26-year-old comes out of the game against Australia unscathed, he will have a long flight back to the United Kingdom.
With Leeds facing Sheffield United on Friday [18 October], will the turnaround be enough for Tanaka to start for Farke?
In other Leeds United news, the Whites could announce Cheikhou Kouyate transfer in next 24 hours.
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