Leeds United: Daniel Farke shares injury return timeline for Karl Darlow
Karl Darlow is expected to be fit again for Leeds United before the March international break, according to boss Daniel Farke.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper suffered a dislocated thumb in the 1-0 defeat at West Brom on December 29 when deputising for the then-suspended Illan Meslier.
Frenchman Meslier has since resumed the gloves and Leeds have racked up seven straight Championship wins, but the news that Darlow will be back to provide competition before the international break – which starts after the trip to Sheffield Wednesday on 8 March – is welcome news.
Speaking at a news conference prior to Saturday’s trip to Plymouth Argyle in quotes reported by LeedsLive (16 February), Farke said: “I expect Karl to be available before the March international break.”
Karl Darlow to return for Leeds United before March internationals
When Leeds completed the signing of Darlow from Newcastle United at the back end of July 2023, it was expected that he would be brought in to become the club’s number one due to uncertainty over Meslier’s future at the time.
Well, it has not quite transpired that way for the experienced stopper, who has made only four appearances for the Whites (two in the league, two in the Carabao Cup).
Meslier has been a regular and, by and large, has been in superb form a Leeds side who are now second in the table, albeit Southampton still own a game in hand in what is shaping up to be a thrilling chase for promotion.
But having Darlow back available is sure to keep Meslier on his toes and gives Farke an excellent back-up option should he be needed in the final few months of the season. It is will be excellent to have him back.
In other Leeds United news, another injured ace is set to have a scan.
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