The FIFA international break couldn’t come at a better time for Leeds United, who are experiencing an injury crisis in the last couple of weeks. Nonetheless, there’s good news for the Yorkshire side once club football returns.
In the past week, Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu joined Manor Solomon, Dan James, and Max Wober on the injury list. Isaach Schmidt has already returned from his injury, and two other players could return soon.
Gruev’s injury is another blow to the midfield, as Ampadu, who can play both midfield and defense, likely won’t return this year. The Leeds squad seems to get thinner and thinner after every match, so it will be interesting to see how the club tackles this situation.
The Leeds forward group could receive a boost
While the Whites’ midfield faces questions, the attacking unit could see two players boost the group and perhaps have standouts that can help provide that finishing touch whether they’re in the starting XI or coming off the bench. Manager Daniel Farke shared a quick injury update that brings good news to the squad.
“Solomon and James will hopefully come back,” Farke said (h/t Leeds United.News). “Hoping Wober will be back soon. Will last a bit.”
Solomon now faces a tough decision after being included in Israel’s latest squad. As a key figure in Israeli football, it’s clear he loves representing his country. However, it wouldn’t look good for him to miss four consecutive matches with Leeds and then head off to play for Israel during this international break.
Farke and his team will need to regroup after their frustrating draw with Sunderland during the international break, as they face fellow promotion contenders Sheffield United at Elland Road on October 18.
Leeds came close to taking all three points against the league leaders, but they’ll need to secure a win now, having struggled to beat teams vying for the top two automatic promotion spots.
The Whites have drawn with Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion and lost to Burnley, making a victory over the Blades crucial. A win would at least put the shocking draw against the Black Cats in the past much quicker.