Joe Rondon’s hamstring injury has come as a huge blow for Leeds United, who will be without the experienced centre-back’s services for more than two months.
The Welshman’s injury has forced a major change in Leeds United’s defensive set-up, and Farke made a couple of changes to the back line in the 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Nico Elvedi was always expected to slot into the defence once Rodon sustained the injury. The new signing’s top-level experience will now come in handy for the Leeds boss.
However, Farke’s decision to bring Jaka Bijol out of the starting eleven and keep James Justin in the back three shocked many at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.
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Adam Pope reveals why Daniel Farke changed the setup
James Justin is a full-back by trade, but he was imperious in the three-man defence last season when Leeds were struggling with a few injuries.
He was preferred to start over a fit centre-back, Jaka Bijol, on Saturday, and the former Leicester man is likely to keep his place in the team going forward.
Adam Pope has revealed that one of the biggest reasons why Farke persisted with Justin in the centre-back role is his ability to play in different positions.
Jaka Bijol came on after the hour mark in place of Jayden Bogle, and Justin seamlessly took up the right-back position for the final half hour of the game at the Amex Stadium.
Speaking on the BBC’s Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, he said: “The other interesting thing I think was James Justin being, obviously, keeping his place.
“But it’s, and that was largely because, as well, he can do a hybrid role- the sort of right centre-back, wing-back, winger sort of thing.
“So that was largely why I think, as well, why he stayed in the team, because he could do that.”
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Bijol likely to get his chance against Chelsea
Daniel Farke is expected to make a few changes to the starting eleven when Leeds take on Chelsea in the third round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.
Jaka Bijol is likely to be in the starting eleven after losing his place against Brighton, and even Justin could start, but in a full-back role.
The Slovenian will get a shot at convincing Farke that he deserves to get his place back in the starting eleven in the next Premier League fixture.
But Justin’s versatility gives Farke more tactical flexibility and that could give him the edge over Bijol at this stage of the season.
