Luke Ayling nowhere to be seen again, Ian Poveda and Junior Firpo with the squad for Leeds United clash v Ipswich
Luke Ayling has been left out of the Leeds squad to face Ipswich Town at Elland Road in the Championship this afternoon, according to Beren Cross.
Writing on his personal Twitter account (23 December), the reliable journalist reports that the veteran right-back has once again not been named in the match day squad by Daniel Farke.
Ayling hasn’t featured for Leeds United since the 4-1 win over Huddersfield with Farke recently admitting it was one of the hardest decisions of his managerial career, but it seems he has done it again.
Cross added that Ian Poveda and Junior Firpo have been seen with the arrivals for Saturday’s crucial clash at Elland Road.
Exit possible
It’s a big call from Farke, but it shows the strength in depth that we have now that Ayling can’t even make it into the match-day squad for the second time this month.
Injuries have been an issue this season, especially in defence but right now we’re in a really good place. Firpo has now returned to full fitness it seems which can only be great news for Farke.
However, Ayling must now be considering his future at the club after this decision and Farke must certainly be regretting it but the way things are shaping up in his squad, it’s totally understandable.
Since transforming Jamie Shackleton and Archie Gray into options at full-back too, it means Ayling has become far less needed in the squad and his performances when he has played haven’t meant that he is indispensable.
Ayling is out of contract in the summer and with the January transfer window approaching, it wouldn’t be a huge shock to see him leave at some point in 2024 as he enters the twilight of his career.
In other Leeds United, one Premier League giant has now completed a deal to sign one Elland Road wonder with a medical now passed for an expected exit.