Leeds United manager Daniel Farke faces a major selection headache ahead of his team’s match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on October 10.
The Whites have made an unbeaten start to their Premier League campaign, collecting nine points from their opening five league games this season.
A few of their summer signings have made an immediate impact. James Trafford has looked like the future England number 1 between the sticks, and Tarik Muharemovic has emerged as a defensive star.
However, Farke may have to decide to drop one of his summer signings from the starting eleven when Leeds travel to north London next weekend.
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Leeds new boy could be back on the bench against Arsenal
Nico Elvedi joined Leeds in the summer transfer window, and his experience has come in handy in Joe Rodon’s absence while he recovers from a hamstring injury.
The 29-year-old centre-back joined the team after Rodon sustained the injury towards the end of August and has looked the part in the back three.
However, Elvedi’s emergence meant Jaka Bijol lost his place in the starting eleven, with Farke deciding to continue with James Justin in the defence.
But Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres’ physicality has led to suggestions that Bijol could be brought back into the team for next weekend’s clash.
Bijol is more experienced than Elvedi in the Premier League and better suited to handling the physical strikers plying their trade there.
The Slovenian’s performances during the international break have also reminded Farke that he deserves a chance in the starting eleven.
Farke could also opt to rely on Bijol’s Premier League experience over Elvedi against Arsenal.
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Bijol is knocking loudly on Farke’s door
Bijol has given Daniel Farke a pretty strong reason to put him straight back into the Leeds starting XI after the international break.
The Slovenian has been outstanding for his country, producing commanding displays against Scotland and North Macedonia and helping them keep clean sheets in both games. Against North Macedonia, he made a match-high 11 defensive contributions, including eight clearances, five duels won and two blocks.
That matters for Leeds, particularly with Joe Rodon sidelined. Bijol brings physicality, experience and a willingness to defend on the front foot, qualities that could be particularly useful against Arsenal.
He was dropped to accommodate Elvedi and Justin, but his international performances have made it hard to justify keeping him out. Farke should give him another chance to prove he belongs in this Leeds side.
