Every word Daniel Farke said on Anton Stach Everton return, Jaka Bijol injury boost & transfer goals
Daniel Farke is due to hold his latest Leeds United press conference ahead of Monday's Premier League trip to Everton.
Leeds United have a rare weekend off before Monday’s trip to Everton and Daniel Farke will hold his pre-game press conference later today.
The Whites got back to winning ways in the Premier League last time out, with substitute Lukas Nmecha scoring in added-time to hand his side a massive 1-0 win at home to Fulham on Saturday. Farke described it as one of this season’s best wins, thanks in part to a pair of injury blows suffered just 24 hours before kick-off,
Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach both missed out against Fulham due to muscle injuries suffered in training on Friday. Farke admitted after full-time the former is due to be out for a few weeks due to a hamstring strain, while his German midfielder picked up an adductor issue.
Stach’s injury is believed to be minor and Farke said last weekend there is hope of a return to fitness in time for Everton on Monday. The Whites boss will provide a fresh update on the situation this afternoon, along with any other potential fitness issues that may have arisen this week.
Farke will also be expected to provide an update on his namesake, Daniel James, who has been out since the end of November with a hamstring tendon injury. The Welshman was not far away from a return to team training as of last week but having been out for so long there is no chance he will be rushed back.
January transfer plans will be on Daniel Farke’s agenda
There are less than two weeks of the January transfer window remaining and having signed Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton last week, Leeds are now believed to be looking at a new striker. The YEP recently reported on interest in Wolves' Jorgen Strand Larsen and Farke might be quizzed on his side’s hunt for a No.9.
With Leeds looking at Strand Larsen but known to be at the limit of their PSR losses, club chiefs may have to make a decision regarding potential sales. The YEP has reported on known interest in Joel Piroe, although no one is pushing for an exit, while other fringe players could drum up some funds if needed.
Farke has regularly reiterated his desire to keep the current squad intact but could be quizzed on whether an opportunity for someone like Strand Larsen might alter his thinking. The German boss did officially wave goodbye to Jack Harrison in recent days, the winger heading to Fiorentina on loan with a £6m permanent option.
Looking ahead to Everton again, Farke may be asked whether Monday’s trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium could offer Buonanotte a chance to make his debut. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder was on the bench against Fulham and coming straight into the starting-XI is not a given, with Brenden Aaronson in great form recently.
And Farke will no doubt be given the chance to share his thoughts on Everton, who currently sit 10th in the Premier League after an impressive 1-0 win at Aston Villa last weekend. The Toffees will be without Jack Grealish but welcome Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye back from AFCON.
Daniel Farke’s pre-Everton press conference will get underway at 1.30pm. Stay tuned for live updates...