Leeds United have the FIFA international window to recover from the mishap that led to the game-tying goal against Sunderland last Friday, resulting in the Whites dropping key points.
The Yorkshire side head into the international break in fifth place in the Championship, having won four of their first nine matches, drawn four, and lost one.
Nonetheless, once club football is back, Daniel Farke and his team not to get back on track because they’ll have to face another promotional rival in Sheffield United. Moreover, playing against clubs in the Championship’s top six has been a struggle so far for the Whites.
Leeds have drawn against Norwich City, Sunderland, and West Bromwich Albion while losing to Burnley. As a result, Leeds will have another chance to prove that they can go toe-to-toe with clubs vying for the two automatic promotion spots to the Premier League.
Sheffield United worry about crucial player during this FIFA window
Leeds have Joe Rodon, Junior Firpo, Ao Tanaka, Mateo Joseph, Brenden Aaronson, and Wilfried Gnonto on international duty, with Aaronson racing against the clock to return in time for the match against the Blades.
He has been called up to the United States squad for games against Panama and Mexico, with the Mexico match scheduled for the early hours of Wednesday morning UK time.
Nonetheless, The Star’s Danny Hall writes that Sheffield defender Harry Souttar has the more daunting task of ensuring he’s ready for next Friday’s contest.
“United have concerns of their own, with influential defender Harry Souttar embarking on a gruelling 21,000, 47-hour journey around the world on Australia duty,” Hall wrote.
“But they aren’t alone, with Leeds having a number of players flying away with their countries at a time when they have a number of injury issues to contend with already.”
Even with the mishap that led to Sunderland leveling the scoring late in the match, one report reveals that Leeds have no intention of replacing Illan Meslier following his mistake against the Black Cats, so expect manager Daniel Farke to give the Frenchman full backing.
The Frenchman will have an opportunity to get back on the horse, and the ideal scenario is for him to contribute to a clean-sheet win.