Leeds United have four points from their opening three games, and they will look to build on this good start after the international break when they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday. However, there are a few question marks regarding the fitness of certain key players ahead of their trip to London.
The Yorkshire giants have faced two of last season’s top five in their opening three games, and the 0-0 draw against Newcastle United at Elland Road just before the break was a huge confidence booster after losing 5-0 against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Farke has a few injury headaches ahead of the game. Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka missed the draw at Newcastle due to knee injuries, and there is still no certainty that they will return against Fulham.
Leeds are also worried about the fitness of midfielder Ilia Gruev, as Bulgaria manager Ilian Iliev conceded that the midfielder played in the second half against Georgia despite not being fit enough to start the game.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United midfielders?
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Leeds United set to learn more about their injury status this week
The Yorkshire Evening Post has taken stock of the injury worries in the Leeds squad and provided possible return dates for some of the players.
Ampadu twice returned from knee injuries early last season, and Farke has not shied away from throwing the Leeds captain into the deep end.
With two weeks between the Newcastle clash and the Fulham game this weekend, it is not unfeasible to think that Ampadu could be back in the squad at Craven Cottage. The Leeds manager did say that he could return to the team after the international break.
However, Tanaka may have to wait longer to return to the team. He was expected to be out for a few weeks, and the Fulham game may have come a little too early for him. He is likely to be fit to be in the squad against Wolves later in the month.
Centre-back Joe Rodon was withdrawn from the Wales squad due to unspecified reasons. However, he is expected to be fit to take on the Cottagers this Saturday.
Noah Okafor, the £18m summer signing, is yet to start a Premier League game and picked up a groin injury in their EFL Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. He was an unused substitute against Newcastle before the break. He is also likely to be in the squad for the game.
Concerns surrounding Gruev’s fitness are expected to be cleared soon. However, Leeds are hopeful that he has not picked up any major new injury during the break, despite playing with problems against Georgia.
Will Farke gamble?
The Leeds manager is particularly worried about his options in midfield if the injured players are still not ready to return against Fulham.
Farke has not shied away from rushing in a few important players back, with Ampadu being the prime example last season.
However, it remains to be seen whether he takes that chance with the Welshman and Tanaka early in the campaign, given the importance of the fixture.
