Pascal Struijk out after minor surgery, four others missing for Daniel Farke – Early Leeds United team news vs Plymouth Argyle
Daniel Farke has revealed “bad news” that Pascal Struijk will miss out with a hernia issue after having had minor surgery as Leeds United face Plymouth Argyle this weekend.
The Whites boss said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday (9 November) that there was “good news” on Joe Gelhardt’s hand fracture because it didn’t need surgery, but he will “definitely” miss out along with Jamie Shackleton for this game.
Djed Spence is also not yet back in team training along with Stuart Dallas, with all four hoped to be back after the international break, while there are also “question marks” over Patrick Bamford and Charlie Cresswell having missed training due to illness and personal reasons respectively.
Banana skin?
It would be just typical if Leeds United followed up their most impressive performance of the season at runaway league leaders Leicester last week with a flat display at home in a game they are largely expected to win.
Farke is sure to be at pains to impress on his squad that they can’t let up for this one and fans will be hoping they heed that warning.
Last time a relative struggler came to Elland Road Huddersfield Town had been blown away before half time a fortnight ago, so another performance like that would send the Whites into the international break on a major high.
The drop off after the interval in that game, as the manager gave opportunities to players on the periphery to get some game time, shows how important it is for the German to have his starting options currently.
And having previously struggled at times against teams playing with a low block at Elland Road there remains the potential for this to be a frustrating afternoon.
It is clear from recent form that there is more than enough in this Leeds United side to trouble anybody in the Championship, but the team is still imperfect so have to guard against complacency or a sloppy off day.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites loanee has claimed he doesn’t “really care” about criticism levelled at him and others following relegation.