Early Leeds United team news v Ipswich: Ian Poveda and Junior Firpo updates emerge
Leeds United duo Ian Poveda and Junior Firpo are both set to be available to take on Ipswich Town on Saturday 23 December.
The former comes back from international duty with Colombia, having been allowed to leave by Daniel Farke. The 21-year-old was handed his international debut, switching allegiances from England.
Firpo, 27, has been sidelined for the last four games with an injury but it is contention to play against Ipswich in front of a packed out Elland Road after returning to training.
“Ian Poveda is back from international duty and in the mix. Junior Firpo has trained and is likely to be in contention,” Phil Hay tweeted live from Farke’s pre-Ipswich press conference on Thursday (21 December).
Much-needed reinforcement
Although Poveda is unlikely to start, with Crysencio Summerville, Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto all ahead of him in the pecking order, it will give Farke huge relief to know he has further depth in his squad if needed.
The winger impressed on his debut for Colombia, winning over the hearts of the media in his country. Leeds fans will be hoping he can transfer that form back to his club life, where he has only managed 27 appearances since making the move from Manchester City in 2020.
The return of Firpo is also big news, with Djed Spence deputising at left-back while the Spaniard and Sam Byram are unavailable. However, against one of the most in-form teams in the division and Wes Burns, it is vital that Leeds’s wings are properly protected against Ipswich.
Firpo’s experience could trump Spence’s involvement in the starting XI, depending on if he is fit enough or not.
Farke has expressed his desire to dip into the transfer market during January, in the hope of acquiring a new left-back. Firpo’s repeat injuries are evidence as to why he feels that is necessary, but when the former Barcelona man is available, he is arguably the best choice.
In other Leeds United news, media in Italy have slammed Rasmus Kristensen labelling him Roma’s worst-ever signing.