(Credit: Imago)

Graham Smyth shares injury update on Karl Darlow after missing Leeds United win vs Birmingham City

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Published on:

01 Jan 2024, 4:10 pm

Graham Smyth has shared details on the injury that ruled goalkeeper Karl Darlow out of the match between Leeds United and Birmingham City.

Darlow was widely expected to start in the absence of suspended first choice Illan Meslier, but he was a surprising omission from the team sheet.

It later emerged the Englishman had dislocated his thumb, which Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Smyth has now provided more information on.

Discovered why Darlow disappeared during warm-up at WBA. That's when he dislocated his thumb. And it was the due date for his wife as well, Farke reveals. Praises the keeper for being in for training the day after too, before going for an MRI.
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) January 1, 2024

"Discovered why Darlow disappeared during warm-up at WBA," he posted on his personal Twitter page. "That's when he dislocated his thumb.

"And it was the due date for his wife as well, Farke reveals. Praises the keeper for being in for training the day after too, before going for an MRI."

Klaesson steps up

Talk about bad timing. Darlow was finally set to enjoy a mini run of starts, only to pick up this injury.

The former Newcastle United goalkeeper was finally given his chance in the 1-0 loss to West Brom, but that may well prove to be his only start.

Judging by what has been said, there is very little chance of Darlow being available before Meslier returns from his three-match suspension.

That is of course hugely disappointing for Darlow, but the imminent birth of his child will no doubt soften the blow.

Besides, Kristoffer Klaesson performed well in the 3-0 win over Birmingham City and will surely start against Peterborough United in the FA Cup.

It is very rare that a team needs to turn to its third-choice keeper, but Klaesson earned big praise from Daniel Farke for his debut display.

Meslier will be back for the trip to Cardiff City, but another strong performance from Klaesson next week may leave Farke with a decision to make.

In other Leeds United news, a pundit has shared Wayne Rooney's furious reaction to Daniel James' goal against Birmingham.

Leeds United

Karl Darlow

Graham Smyth