Leeds United: Junior Firpo could be axed v Rotherham after ‘Horrid’ development – Beren Cross
Daniel Farke could be expected to axe Junior Firpo from his Leeds United starting lineup when they take on Rotherham on Saturday, according to Beren Cross.
The Leeds Live journalist shared (10 February) that Firpo, who has been Farke’s favoured option at left-back in recent weeks, may be dropped for Sam Byram at left-back due to his monitored workload after recent injuries and the “horrid” conditions against Plymouth in their FA Cup fourth-round replay win.
The Whites will be looking to reclaim their spot in the Championship automatic promotion place when they take on basement side Rotherham at Elland Road (10 February) and could extend their current unbeaten run to nine matches.
And Cross shared some expected Farke selection decisions ahead of the clash. He wrote: “Junior Firpo has generally been Farke’s preference at left-back in recent weeks, while Sam Byram’s hamstring strains have been given time to calm down.
“Well, they both started on Tuesday in Devon, with Byram coming off towards the end of normal time and Firpo getting the full two hours in horrid conditions.
“Based on match load alone, Byram may well get the edge on Firpo today.”
Dropping Firpo may be a sensible move from Farke
Leeds United may well have added the qualities and experience of Connor Roberts to their squad on transfer deadline day but Farke will be hoping to avoid any more injuries in what’s been a problem position all season.
Roberts’ signing at Elland Road is supposed to provide Farke with the specialist options he needs in both full-back positions after some dreadful injuries recurrences to both Firpo and Byram.
It is mightily crucial Farke manages the workload of both players heading into a testing and gruelling schedule over the next month or so and the decision to drop Firpo against Rotherham may be a smart ploy.
Firpo has massively improved his performance levels in recent weeks despite all the rumours that he could well have quit the club before the transfer window deadline.
However, Farke was hell-bent on him staying and he’s rewarded him with starts which the former Real Betis left-back has answered with tremendous aplomb.
Firpo remains the club’s actual left-back specialist which means he provides the Farke’s team with a great attacking balance, especially when Crysencio Summerville cuts in from the left flank so losing Firpo to fitness issues could be quite damaging.
The Whites play again on Tuesday (13 February) which forces Farke to make the call to hand Firpo some rest after their extra time exploits in midweek.
In other Leeds United news, one pundit has been left stunned by an unexpected development at Elland Road.
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