Junior Firpo to provide Daniel Farke dilemma ahead of Leeds United clash v Leicester City
Junior Firpo could be set to provide Daniel Farke with a dilemma ahead of the Leeds United clash against Leicester City on Friday (3 November).
The Dominican left-back looks set to be named in the squad for the first time since the Whites boss took over after recovering from a knee ligament injury that has kept him out of action since the end of last season.
The German said in his pre-match interview on Wednesday (1 November, via LeedsLive) that it has been a good week for the 27-year-old after he has returned to training with the rest of the team.
“I think this week was good for him because it’s been the proper training week [whereas] before it was just travelling,” said Farke.
“Playing games is also difficult for a player who comes back from a long-term injury but each session is good for him and he’s edging closer and closer and no setback in the last days, so definitely good news. He’s also in the mix and available if we call him up to the game-day squad.”
Sam Byram has largely occupied the left-back spot after returning to the club following his release from Norwich City at the end of last season.
Despite experiencing a number of injury-hit years since leaving Elland Road for West Ham in 2016, the 30-year-old has come through the first few months of this campaign largely unscathed.
But there have been some concerns around the Whites academy product this week after he was substituted in the 4-1 victory over Huddersfield Town on Saturday (28 October).
Farke has, however, revealed that the club’s staff have taken care of him and that he was able to train on Wednesday ahead of the game against Leicester.
That means that Firpo, who is the only out-and-out left-back at the club, is likely to have to wait a little while longer before he makes his return to the starting lineup.
It’s currently Byram’s place to lose after he has been pretty consistent so far this season, but the Leeds boss will be pleased to have a bit more cover – and competition – in that area of the pitch.
Firpo, who was previously a highly-rated talent, has been largely hit-and-miss since making the move to Elland Road from Barcelona for £12.8million in 2021.
His time at the club has been plagued by injuries after making just 51 appearances, including only 19 in the Premier League last season as the Whites suffered relegation.
He was constantly linked with a move away from West Yorkshire over the summer, but his injury situation put any potential suitors off from following up on their interest in signing him.
The Dominican could be a valuable asset for Farke this season, though, as he can be a decent player on his day and should have a point to prove.
Although the German boss may not hand him his first minutes of the campaign just yet, he could soon have a healthy dilemma on his hands as the defender looks to push for a place in the side over the course of the next few weeks.
In other Leeds United news, an overseas journalist has tipped one “special” Whites player for a January transfer.