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.
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19. Sub: Joel Piroe
Hasn't been used too much this season but can go upfront alongside a Calvert-Lewin if Leeds are chasing, and would be the man you want a late chance to fall to. | Getty Images
20. Sub: Lukas Nmecha
Leeds' top-scorer with four goals and build-up play has improved recently, albeit not to the level of Calvert-Lewin. Showed at City he can also play alongside his main competitor for the No.9 role if Farke wants to go super direct. | Getty Images