Jaka Bijol in line for start vs Sunderland as Daniel Farke issues double injury update at Leeds United
Jaka Bijol looks ready to come back into the starting lineup for Leeds United’s game against Sunderland on Tuesday after a fitness update.
The centre-back hasn’t started a Premier League game since the Whites’ 2-2 draw against Chelsea last month, despite multiple impressive showings.
Daniel Farke won’t be on the touchline when Elland Road hosts Sunderland this week after picking up a red card in the loss to Manchester City, but the German head coach will still have full confidence that his team can get the three points.
The Leeds boss will also feel safe knowing that, despite injury concerns, Bijol is a man he knows he can rely on.
Joe Rodon fit for Sunderland as James Justin concern shared
Leeds could be taking Sunderland on at the perfect time, given the Black Cats’ current form and their own in LS11.
However, the Whites are aware just how badly injuries can hurt their chances of Premier League survival, and will hope that both James Justin and Joe Rodon can stay fit until the end of the season.
- Rodon and Justin were subbed off in the 87th minute against Man City
- Justin suffered a gash that needed stitches in the game, while Rodon also took a knock
- The pair have played a combined 45 games in the Premier League this campaign
While speaking to the media in his pre-match press conference duties, Farke offered an update on James and Rodon.
Farke said: “Rodon [is] okay, expect him to be available. The only question mark was Justin, straight leg against him. Needed to be stitched after the game. Hope he is available too. Expect just Noah [Okafor] to be out.”
With that being said, all roads surely lead to Bijol’s inclusion in the match, as the defender will most likely come in for Justin, who has fared well in the backline.
Could Willy Gnonto be given a chance for Leeds vs Sunderland?
Farke confirmed that the game against Sunderland will be too soon for Noah Okafor to return, with the attacker still injured with a hamstring issue.
The Whites deployed a 4-5-1 against Man City, with Brenden Aaronson featuring out on the left flank, as the American was hooked after 65 minutes.
Willy Gnonto came on 10 minutes later to add more firepower in Leeds’ search for a leveller, and his inclusion may now prompt a rare start against Sunderland.
| Games played | 15 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes in total | 364 |
Aaronson’s output in front of goal has settled down, and Leeds fans will be hoping that it wasn’t just a purple patch.
However, every cloud has a silver lining, and Aaronson’s misfortunes could be Gnonto’s chance for an Elland Road revival.
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