‘Top quality’ – Daniel Farke wowed by Leeds United outcast who could start vs Fulham
Daniel Farke has given a fitness update ahead of the Premier League clash with Fulham
Leeds travel to Craven Cottage this weekend, having gained four points from their opening three games.
Leeds will be underdogs against Fulham on Saturday and could be without their first-choice goalkeeper in West London.
Lucas Perri is a serious doubt for Leeds after seemingly picking up an injury at training this week.
This would be a blow for the Whites, with Perri having started the opening three Premier League games.
Illan Meslier could start vs Fulham
Farke, speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, assured supporters that he is happy with the options he has in his goalkeeping department.
Illan Meslier is in line to potentially start for Leeds, and his manager is putting his trust in the Frenchman’s ability.
In his pre-match press conference, Farke gave an update on Perri, while also praising the quality of Meslier: “Quite happy with our GK squad. He came injured, and it’s unlucky for him that he’s out again. More happy to have Karl and Illan with us. Illan’s quality is never in doubt, and how he reacted to a situation that was never in doubt.”
The German also praised Meslier for how he dealt with being dropped last season, saying: “It was tough times for him to lose his spot and shirt number, but I must give compliments to him. Absolutely professional. Sign for me of a top-quality character. Life can change pretty quickly. Happy he is on it and trains in the best possible condition, full of talent.”
Meslier was linked with a move away from Leeds this summer, but a transfer never materialised.
Leeds fans may not welcome the news of Meslier’s return to the starting line-up, but Farke seems confident in his goalkeeper.
- Read More: Willy Gnonto says what every Leeds fan was already thinking in indirect Illan Meslier swipe
Illan Meslier has struggled for Leeds
Meslier was replaced as number one by Perri in the summer, as he fell down the pecking order.
The French keeper kept 20 clean sheets last campaign, but committed several high-profile errors and was dropped before the end of the season.
Meslier may get another chance at Leeds this weekend, but he will have to perform well to regain the trust of fans.
- Meslier was signed from Lorient for £5million
- He played 39 Championship games last season
- Meslier was replaced by Karl Darlow for the final seven games of the season
While fans will be right to be concerned, Meslier will be determined to prove them wrong if he gets a chance against Fulham.
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