Leeds United dealing with quartet of fresh injuries with question mark over star winger for Cardiff City — YEP 19/9/24
By Graham Smyth
Daniel Farke has provided the latest Leeds United team news.
Leeds United are dealing with several injury issues as they
prepare for a trip to struggling Cardiff City on Saturday.
The Whites are without Daniel James until potentially the
October international break after he reinjured his hamstring but Daniel Farke
has question marks over a number of others for the game in Wales.
Joe Rodon came through his head injury against Burnley
without a concussion and Ethan Ampadu was not named by Farke as one of those
struggling after he limped out of a huge challenge on Hannibal. But Rodon has
missed training through a separate issue and others have concerns.
"Overall we had a few little knocks and hits and
problems during this week," said Farke. "Joe Rodon missed two
training sessions due to some glute problems and also Junior Firpo was
struggling a bit with his MCL [medial collateral ligament], Manor Solomon with
some back problems, Joe Rothwell rolled his ankle. A few concerns but I'm
cautiously optimistic they'll be available. Perhaps the biggest question mark
over Solomon."
Farke has welcomed Austrian international Max Wober back
into training following a knee complaint and Patrick Bamford is getting closer
to match fitness having returned to the training pitch over a week ago.
"Max Wober back in training today with a light session,
we have to wait to see how his body reacts, it will be a late decision with
him," said the manager. "Patrick is back in team training since last
Tuesday so obviously he can't be there with 100 per cent. Each and every
session is beneficial, he's edging closer, working on getting match fit and
sharp."
Bamford's fitness journey has taken him down a rocky path in
recent years and last season was no different. He missed the play-offs through
a knee injury that required minor surgery.
And despite having his fitness carefully managed, he
succumbed to a hamstring issue early on this season. But Farke insists the
mental aspect of his difficulties has not plagued the striker.
"I think it was not a problem from the mental
side," said Farke. "We tried everything to make him available for the
play-offs, there was a long summer break and he had to do lots of individual
work and rehab work. It's never that easy for a player.
“It was important for him to be back and after he edged
closer, had 15 or 20 minutes in his last friendly, it was of course a blow for
him to be out for three weeks. He's an experienced player, always professional.