Daniel Farke will rage at Ian Poveda decision, Leeds United chiefs should have intervened
Daniel Farke will have to make do without Ian Poveda during the busiest period of the season in a decision that will likely leave the Leeds United manager raging.
Poveda was surprisingly named as part of Colombia’s squad for friendlies against Venezuela and Mexico in the United States next week.
The 23-year-old is already in his homeland training ahead of the games, which fall outside of FIFA’s recognised window for international fixtures.
As per the European Club Association mandatory release rules guide, Leeds had the right to block Poveda from linking up with his country.
That would have been a harsh call on the face of it, but it was surely the right option to make as December could be a defining period for United.
Assuming he plays both matches for Colombia, Poveda will now miss Leeds’ games with Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland and Coventry City.
The attacker then faces a race against time to return for the massive showdown with Ipswich Town on 23 December.
That battle between the sides currently second and third in the Championship takes place three days after Colombia face Mexico in Los Angeles.
It is unlikely Poveda would have started any of those matches, but that is besides the point.
The Barcelona product has featured six times in the league under Farke, most recently in the 1-1 draw with Rotherham United in 24 November.
Speaking after that game, Farke explained that he had been impressed by what he had seen from Poveda in training as he got the nod over Jaidon Anthony.
Farke made it clear over the past two international breaks he was unhappy with the number of games Archie Gray was playing.
At least Gray’s appearances for England at various age-grade levels came in a recognised window, in which Leeds had no say in the matter.
On this occasion, United had to sign off on Poveda’s departure – a decision they will just hope does not come back to haunt them if injuries and suspensions hit in the next fortnight.
In other Leeds United news, Jermaine Beckford says he “felt sorry” for a player in the Whites’ win over Middlesbrough.