It is early in the season, but Leeds United are having flashbacks of the previous campaign. Two key midfielders have been ruled out with injuries in a crucial period.
Ethan Ampadu picked up an MCL injury in the opener against Everton. Then just days later against Arsenal, Ao Tanaka went off with a similar injury. Daniel Farke is optimistic that both players could return in a few weeks. Both are expected to return to action sometime after the international break.
Last season, the Whites had to resort to bringing in veteran Josuha Guilavogui in the middle of the campaign after Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu both picked up serious injuries.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United strikers?
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Kalvin Phillips is an option for Leeds United again
Kalvin Phillips
Credit: Imago Images
Speaking of midfielders, there could still be a chance of Kalvin Phillips returning to Elland Road. According to Graeme Bailey, Leeds have their eye on the Manchester City man at the end of this window:
“Leeds are keeping very close checks on Kalvin Phillips – am told that Man City might be trying to pay up his contract – there is still a good chance he ends up at Elland Road.”
The only way a move for Phillips is feasible is a loan with none of the wages covered, or like Bailey said, terminating his contract to allow him to walk for free. But it is unlikely either happens before the window closes
What Daniel Farke has said about adding another midfielder
Farke on the other hand, has said he has no plans of adding a midfielder before the transfer window closes.
“We will see. We definitely want to do a bit more, I think it’s fair to say our attack wasn’t at the top level today, which we were aware of.”
“I’m happy with the signing of James Justin. I think our defensive and midfield positions are all sorted but it’s no secret we would like to add some quality to our attack.”
Leeds have seen their move to sign Facundo Buonanotte this week collapse, after Chelsea stepped in and hijack the deal.
The lack of experience by 49s in dealing with a Premiership level transfer market,is glaringly obvious. Playing hard poker face games until the final days just doesn’t work. Yes, it is tough getting the right players to join but the 49s have boasted throughout that they are more than able to compete – well, sorry Parag and co, this is not US sport and takes more than you thought you have. Now either splash the cash on the best left or admit defeat.