Leeds United winger Luis Sinisterra is available for selection for the Whites’ clash with table-topping Ipswich Town this weekend, amid speculation concerning his future.
Like want-away star Wilfried Gnonto, Sinisterra was recently prevented from training with Leeds’ first-team by manager Daniel Farke, with both also being removed from the dressing room. Whilst Sinisterra’s situation in West Yorkshire has somewhat flown under the radar – at least compared to that of youngster Gnonto – concern about the talented Colombian’s future at Elland Road has existed within the fanbase.
Whilst both Gnonto and Sinisterra have refused to participate in the club’s last two competitive fixtures, Farke has been quick to stress that the respective circumstances surrounding each player are very different.
Where Gnonto’s refusal to play stemmed from a desire to force a move away to Premier League side Everton – a want that found itself confirmed in the submission of a formal transfer request on the eve of Leeds’ Championship clash with West Brom last Friday – Sinisterra’s lack of participation in his side’s fixtures were linked to ambiguous legal issues with his contract.
This issue appears to have been resolved by the club this week, with Farke confirming in his pre-match press conference today that Sinisterra is now ready to feature, and is important for the German coach’s plan for the future.
“With Luis there was a legal issue, a contractual issue, there was uncertainty about his contractual situation.
“This has obviously distracted him, it was a difficult situation and I showed some leadership and said ‘listen, we need your quality but as long as this situation is not sorted, it makes no sense [to be involved], because I need you to be here with 100 per cent focus. That was the reason we didn’t involve him in training and matchday squads.
“The situation is sorted, we have clarity about his contractual situation. I had a good chat with him and he’s in a much better place. He’s clear in his head, ready to go, ready to train and play with 100 per cent so we took him back into the dressing room. He’s important for my plans for the future.”
Sinisterra’s availability will come as a significant boost to a Leeds squad who have looked undoubtedly thin in recent times, due both to injury and a series of transfer outgoings this summer.
Newly-promoted Ipswich will certainly provide a stern test for the Whites, with Farke’s side still searching for their first league victory of the campaign.
