Leeds United are set to go back into the transfer market for a new left-back after Junior Firpo was ruled out for eight weeks.
Manager Jesse Marsch confirmed the news today as his squad prepare for the first game of their pre-season tour of Australia against Brisbane Roar tomorrow.
The Whites currently have limited backup, with Leif Davis, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, the only other natural left-back in the first team squad.
Speaking on Firpo’s situation, Marsch said: “He’s most likely out for eight weeks. We’re hopeful that it’s a little bit faster because Junior healed really, really quickly last time after the MCL injury.”
He continued: “We’re looking very closely at Leif Davis and we think he’s done really well. We have also other solutions, like Pascal and potentially Jack. But in the whole process, we were always evaluating what we would need at that position.
“So obviously this highlights that a little bit more clearly and we have time, we have time. When it comes to recruitment, I believe that Victor Orta and Gaby Ruiz do an incredible job of looking around the world, understanding what the demands of the style of football that the manager wants to play and then providing really good possibilities as to what those players could be and what the fits could be.”
Marsch also confirmed that captain Liam Cooper (Achilles problem) and Leo Hjelde (calf contusion) will play no part in Thursday’s friendly in Brisbane due to injury – though they are expected to return for the games against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa down under.
The big news is on Firpo though, with Orta set to get to work straight away on spending the £50 million the club are to receive for Raphinha from Barcelona – a transfer that is expected to be completed in the coming hours.
Blessing in disguise?
It’s sad news on Junior’s injury, especially after he played so well against Blackpool!
Still, I think most Leeds fans are pretty relieved there is going to be another option in this position because the jury is definitely still out on Firpo’s defensive capabilities in the Premier League.
With the team shaping up nicely, there can be no weak points, and as good as Leif Davis and Leo Hjelde are, they don’t have the experience to be trusted long-term in case they are required on a regular basis.
We need a proven left-back, whether that’s proven internationally or in the Premier League, and we ideally need them in fast so they can embed themselves into the squad ahead of the fast-approaching season!
Looks like Charlie Taylor is incoming.