Daniel Farke shares Sam Byram injury update ahead of Blackburn v Leeds
Daniel Farke has revealed that Sam Byram is a fitness doubt for Leeds United’s trip to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
Byram opened the scoring for the Whites in their 3-0 win against Luton Town on Wednesday [27 November], but went off in the 59th minute.
Although the full-back has avoided serious injury, Farke is unsure if he will be able to travel with the rest of the squad on 30 November.
“Alright. He had a scan, we’re waiting for the results, it’ll be a tight call if he’s able to travel with us”, the German told a press conference, as transcribed by the Yorkshire Evening Post [28 November].
Farke went on to hail Byram’s performance against Luton as “excellent” and expressed his desire to have him available on Saturday.
“We have to take a decision if Sam is not available. Would prefer to have him”, he added.
“In the last game, he played really excellent, not just because of the goal.
“Good possession, his experience, strengths, attacking and defending set-pieces.
“[Byram is an] important player for us with maturity in the dressing room. We find some good solutions to replace him.”
Daniel Farke shares Sam Byram injury update ahead of Blackburn v Leeds
Farke will not be too concerned if Byram is unavailable against Blackburn as Junior Firpo is expected to be available for team selection after serving a three-game ban.
The Dominican Republic international is likely to take his usual place at left-back if the former West Ham man does not pass his fitness test.
Firpo has established himself as Leeds’ first-choice left-back, notching one goal and three assists in 13 Championship appearances this season.
However, Byram stepped up for the Yorkshire-based club when the 28-year-old was handed an extended ban for violent conduct in their 1-0 win against Millwall on 6 November.
Byram provided the assist for Manor Solomon’s second goal in the Elland Road outfit’s 4-3 victory over Swansea in Wales on 24 November and followed it up with a goal against Luton.
Although he is not a regular starter under Farke, there is no doubt that he will be important in the club’s push for promotion this season.
In other Leeds United news, this Whites star has revealed that he rejected an offer to move back to his home country in the summer.
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