By Daniel Lewis

19th Sep, 2023 | 4:40pm

Daniel Farke reveals new Leeds United injury issue as Jamie Shackleton disappointment emerges

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has revealed Jamie Shackleton dropped to the bench against Millwall at the weekend in part due to an injury problem.

Shackleton was named among the substitutes at The Den and played no part as Leeds ran out 3-0 winners on Sunday [17 September].

Farke did not want the versatile midfielder to aggravate a shoulder injury and therefore made the call to leave him out.

Speaking at a pre-match news conference on Tuesday [19 September] ahead of facing Hull City, Farke told reporters, as per the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We wanted Jamie fresh and available for upcoming fixtures.

“We also didn’t want to take a risk with his shoulder.

“It’s part of my job. It’s the most difficult part of being a football manager. You have to disappoint players, everyone wants to be in the squad.”

Squad depth

Given the quick turnaround in matches between the win at Millwall and trip to Hull City three days later, it remains to be seen if Shackleton will play any part in midweek.

The fact he was included in the squad in South London suggests he would have been used had he been needed against Leeds’ fierce rivals.

Shackleton has impressed for Leeds in the opening stages of the campaign in various different positions, leading to suggestions that he may even be offered a new contract at Elland Road [Yorkshire Evening Post].

Squad depth will be huge for Farke this season if Leeds are to seriously challenge for promotion, and having a fit-again Shackleton available to come into the side against Hull will be a major boost.

But given the likes of Junior Firpo and Djed Spence are already on the sidelines, Farke does not need to needlessly risk the fitness of Shackleton unless he is 100% ready to play a part.

In other Leeds United news, Farke confirmed three players will be absent for the Hull match.