Leeds United defender Junior Firpo had fever v Middlesbrough, was almost sick
Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo has admitted that he was suffering from a fever during the 4-3 win against Middlesbrough on April 22.
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Joe Donnohue posted on X, saying that the Leeds defender “nearly threw up” midway through the second half at the Riverside Stadium, with substitute Jaidon Anthony also suffering from illness before kick-off.
Leeds were eventually victorious in a seven-goal thriller on Teeside, with Firpo coming to the fore from left-back and assisting goals for both Patrick Bamford and Crysencio Summerville.
Donnohue shared what the defender told him: “Junior Firpo says he nearly threw up during second half last night and had a fever the past three days.
“27-year-old felt ill but saw out 90 minutes at the Riverside along with substitute Jaidon Anthony, who’s also been a bit worse for wear.”
Junior Firpo illness update in Leeds United squad
Leeds United came into their match against Middlesbrough in their worst run of form since the opening weeks of the season, suffering lacklustre defeats to Coventry and Blackburn either side of a goalless draw against Sunderland.
A lack of goals was no such problem at the Riverside, as Leeds came from 1-0 down to score three in the first half alone; Firpo crossing perfectly for Bamford to bundle in the second just minutes after Summerville equalised from the penalty spot.
Firpo’s tireless running down the flanks gave off no signs that he was struggling with an illness, ringing true of the “side before self” motto in the second half by charging into the final third and setting up Summerville’s second goal, a curling strike to finish off a sweeping back-to-front move.
His start to life at Leeds has been a rocky one, to say the least, but with the Championship run-in hotting up, Firpo is standing tall and cementing his place at left-back in a potentially promotion-winning side.
In other Leeds United news, former goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has slammed Sky Sports coverage during the win over Middlesbrough.
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