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.
13. Sub: Sebastiaan Bornauw
Has struggled to make recent squads but with three centre-backs on the pitch, Bornauw comes on to the bench as back-up. Ampadu can also drop into the back three if necessary but natural cover is important. | Nigel French/PA Wire
.jpg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
14. Sub: James Justin
First-choice cover at both left-back and right-back, having already come on and looked decent on either side. Versatility in that sense should see him get decent minutes, with Sam Byram not in the squad. | Nigel French/PA Wire
15. Sub: Ilia Gruev
Undoubtedly the natural back-up to Whites captain Ampadu. Could also come off the bench for a Tanaka or Stach if Leeds are holding on to a lead at any point. Photo: Marc Atkins
16. Sub: Brenden Aaronson
Could come on in place of someone like Okafor if Leeds are holding on to a lead, further packing out the middle of the pitch, or for a Tanaka if the Whites are chasing. | Getty Images
.jpeg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
17. Sub: Daniel James
The Welshman is an option to come on at right-wing if Leeds move to a front-three in-game. Has the energy and pace to come on at right wing-back too, if Leeds are chasing a game. | Getty Images
.jpeg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
18. Sub: Willy Gnonto
Could play a similar role to Okafor as a second striker but more useful out wide, most likely if Farke moves to a front three at any point in-game. | Getty Images