Why Gabriel Gudmundsson is not in the Leeds United squad vs Everton amid Anton Stach injury boost
The left-back will play no part in Leeds United's Premier League trip to Everton.
Leeds United defender Gabriel Gudmundsson has not recovered from an adductor injury in time to face Everton this evening.
Farke revealed during the week that Gudmundsson was a doubt for Monday’s trip to Merseyside due to a small adductor issue. The Swedish international missed training on Thursday and after seemingly failing a late fitness test, was not in the matchday squad.
With Gudmundsson sidelined, James Justin moved across to cover at left wing-back with Sebastiaan Bornauw coming back into the starting-XI for the first time since the 1-1 draw with Manchester United earlier this month. He joins Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk in a back three ahead of Karl Darlow with Jaka Bijol still out due to a hamstring injury.
“Jaka Bijol, a rock for us in the last games, is still not available,” Farke told Sky Sports. “Also Gabi Gudmundsson with an injury not available. Thank God Anton Stach is back after his short injury and he comes back into the starting-XI for Noah Okafor.”
Farke looks to have deployed a three-man midfield at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Stach returning from a minor groin injury that kept him out of Fulham last weekend. The German hasn’t replaced either Ethan Ampadu or Ilia Gruev, however, with both starting in a solid-looking unit.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin kept his place at No.9 to start against former club Everton, with the 28-year-old just one goal away from hitting double figures in the Premier League. Alongside him is Brenden Aaronson, who has been in great form with three goals in his last three appearances.
“We are flexible, we changed a lot during the last games, a bit like a hybrid team,” Farke added. “We have flexible options, of course Brenden is an offensive player and his relationship with Dominic will also be crucial.
“Dominic needs to be brought into a position where he can score and for that, Brenden will play a crucial role.”
Leeds have just one defender on the substitutes bench, with Sam Byram set to cover both wing-back roles. A very attacking support group includes Facundo Buonanotte, Willy Gnonto, Noah Okafor, Joel Piroe and last weekend’s winning goalscorer Lukas Nmecha.