Leeds United suffered a late gut punch at the hands of Manchester City on Saturday, losing 3-2 after fighting back from 2-0 down. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha scored for the Whites but a spirited second-half performance counted for nothing in terms of points when Phil Foden won it late on for the home side.
The Whites were without Sean Longstaff on Saturday and could remain so until mid-January, with Farke revealing this week the midfielder faces four-to-six weeks out with a calf injury. The former Newcastle United man could miss up to nine Premier League games in total, having already become a crucial squad member.
Farke does have other options in midfield and will need to get the best out of them between now and the New Year, with no Longstaff to lean on. Below, the YEP looks at what the German’s strongest possible line-up could look like in the absence of his £12m summer signing.
1. GK: Lucas Perri
There have been issues in recent weeks but Leeds need continuity between the posts, so Perri keeps his place. | Getty Images
2. CB: Joe Rodon
An ever-present at centre-back so far and probably Leeds' best defender this season. Set-piece threat has been important too. | Getty Images
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3. CB: Jaka Bijol
Seems most naturally suited to the central role in a back three, heading away crosses and making big blocks, and that's where he sits in this team. The formation switch improved Leeds massively at Man City. | Getty Images
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4. CB: Pascal Struijk
Managed Erling Haaland well on Saturday and looked back to a good level since returning to the starting line-up. Can be the focus of Leeds' build-up from deep, with a back three getting the best out of each centre-back. | Getty Images
5. RWB: Jayden Bogle
Another strong individual performance at City, showing he is more than capable of keeping top-level wingers from running riot. Attacking link-up play has been excellent too and a wing-back role allows more forward freedom. | Getty Images
6. CM: Ethan Ampadu
Will be tasked with sitting in front of the back three and mopping up as much as possible. Has a huge influence on others as club captain and still a massively important player for Farke. | Getty Images