What happens next with Joel Piroe at Leeds as Daniel Farke offers clarity on RB Leipzig snub
Joel Piroe didn't feature for Leeds United in their pre-season win against RB Leipzig on Saturday.
The Whites ran out 2-0 victors at Elland Road, as preparations towards the new Premier League season continue in a positive manner.
Daniel Farke was without James Trafford, who will train with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday, though many other first-team starters were available.
Piroe was in the squad, but he didn't get on the pitch despite being on the bench, and it wasn't due to injury.
Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were both on the scoresheet, which doesn't help his chances of playing either.
Piroe has been linked with a move away from Leeds, but Farke has now offered clarity on why the number nine didn't get a single minute.
Daniel Farke reveals reason for Joel Piroe snub vs RB Leipzig
Piroe is "likely" to be sold by Leeds this summer after falling down the pecking order in LS11.
The Suriname international was linked with a move to Rangers and Championship clubs in the January window, but insisted that he wanted to stay and fight for his place at Elland Road.
The Whites will need to raise funds, but have yet to receive any real reported interest in the 26-year-old.
Farke has now suggested that the decision against playing Piroe was due to his place in the pecking order.
The German head coach said, as quoted by Leeds Live: "The reason is just like we had two games of 60 minutes, and Dominic missed the first part of pre-season. He desperately needed the 60 minutes today.
"Nmecha was in good shape, has scored goals, and was then slightly ahead of Piroe in the striker role. This is the only reason. But of course, tough anyhow for Joel."
The former Norwich City boss has insisted that there are no problems with Piroe, and that he prefers that his more important players play games in big chunks rather than 30 minutes here and there at this stage of pre-season.
Which leaves Leeds fans wondering what's next for Piroe.
Piroe's situation and transfer latest
Piroe has been included alongside Wilfried Gnonto as two big-name players that Leeds could sell before the end of the window.
Farke has insisted that he has a small group of players right now and has suggested that sales may be more likely closer to the start of the season.
He has also said that after one or two games, some players who are left out could come to him and ask to leave before deadline day.
Piroe has been tipped for a move back down to the Championship, though he had interest across Europe back in January.
He has 12 months remaining on his deal with an option for a further year, so now would be the most optimal time for the Whites to cash in from a financial standpoint.