Leeds United team news v Preston: Defender misses out on squad
Daniel Farke has confirmed that defender Luke Ayling has “no chance” of playing any part for Leeds United against Preston North End.
Ayling has missed United’s past eight games through injury, most recently sitting out the 4-0 win over Ipswich Town on Saturday (23 December).
The 32-year-old is pushing for a return to action, but that will not come against Preston at Deepdale on Tuesday (26 December) as he is not in the provisional squad.
“Luke, sadly, had no chance because he had some knee problems,” Farke is quoted as saying by Leeds Live.
“That was why he wasn’t in the squad [against Ipswich]. I hope he can return back pretty soon.
“The same perhaps even with Sam Byram. Rehab looks good, so I hope he can perhaps return a bit quicker than just in the New Year.
“With Jamie Shackleton, I hope also the same, that he can be a topic in the next games and I hope Jaidon Anthony will be back pretty soon.”
Long absence
Ayling may not be part of Leeds’ 24-man provisional squad to face Preston, but Farke has other options to call upon.
Not since October 4, in a 1-0 win over Queen Park Rangers, has Ayling started a game for Leeds.
Archie Gray has filled in well at right-back and, while not ideal that players are being used out of position, he has ensured Ayling’s absence has not been felt.
Farke will of course want the defender back in action as soon as possible, but there is no way he will rush Ayling back.
Sam Byram, Shackleton and Anthony are Leeds’ other fitness doubts ahead of the trip to Preston, and hopefully the injury list will remain as light as it is.
This is a gruelling part of the campaign, so the more players available to Farke over this next week or so the better.
In other Leeds United news, Richard Keys and Andy Gray have given their verdict on the win over Ipswich.