Leeds United team news v Derby as one definitely out and one other a doubt
Daniel Farke has revealed that Sam Byram will miss the Championship clash between Leeds United and Derby County at Elland Road on Saturday, with Junior Firpo also a doubt.
The Whites will look to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers when they host Derby on 7 December, but will have to do without Byram, who was nowhere to be seen at Ewood Park on 30 November.
Farke has to make a late call on Firpo after he picked up a knock in training on Wednesday [4 December], but is boosted by Isaac Schmidt’s return.
“Sam Byram is out, he will definitely miss this game”, he told a press conference [Leeds United, 5 December].
“There is some hope that he can join us during the week, but for this game, he will definitely miss out.
“Some good news, Isaac Schmidt is back in training, obviously after his hernia surgery. He was out for more or less three weeks.
“It’s been a few days back in training and also available, perhaps not 100 per cent ready for 90 minutes, but definitely also an option.
“Some question marks around Junior Firpo because he got a hit in training yesterday onto his foot, so wasn’t able to train today. It’ll be a late call with him if he’s available.”
Leeds United team news v Derby as one definitely out and one other a doubt
The full-back position is, therefore, proving to be an area of concern for Farke ahead of Saturday’s game.
Jayden Bogle is likely to keep his place at right-back, but it remains to be seen who the German tactician will play on the other side of the defence if Firpo is not deemed fit.
Schmidt has yet to start a Championship game for the Elland Road outfit since arriving from St. Gallen in the summer, so it is unclear if he will be given a start against Derby.
Central defenders Max Wober and Pascal Struijk, meanwhile, are also capable of stepping in for Firpo.
Regardless of who plays at left-back, Farke will be hopeful of leading the side to a win against Paul Warne’s men after succumbing to a disappointing loss to Blackburn.
With the promotion race heating up, Leeds United cannot afford to drop points in two consecutive games, particularly during the festive period.
In other Leeds United news, a January sale for Ao Tanaka has been assessed with a Premier League move mooted.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.