Why Jayden Bogle isn't in the Leeds United squad vs Manchester United
The Leeds United defender missed Sunday's Premier League meeting at Elland Road.
Jayden Bogle missed Sunday's Premier League meeting against Manchester United with a minor calf injury.
Bogle was a surprise absentee from the matchday squad on Sunday having been rested during Thursday’s 0-0 draw at Liverpool. The right-back was a second-half substitute at Anfield and widely expected to come back into the starting line-up, but James Justin instead kept his place at right wing-back following an impressive display on Merseyside.
Leeds were already without Ethan Ampadu for Sunday's game due to suspension, with the midfielder picking up his fifth booking of the season during that goalless draw at Liverpool. And the club confirmed a minor calf injury was to keep right-back Bogle out for Sunday’s fixture.
Asked if the plan was always to rotate, Farke told TNT Sports: “A little bit. We have four Premier League games in 10 days. We always have to go over the line in terms of physical output. It’s important we look after players, I trust my group so a little rotation. A few key players were missing today but I trust my players.”
Leeds were boosted by the return of Sean Longstaff on Sunday, with the midfielder fit enough for a place on the bench. A calf injury suffered against Aston Villa has kept the £12million summer arrival out for around six weeks but he provided some much-needed midfield depth in Ampadu’s absence.
Sebastiaan Bornauw also recovered from cramp in time to start his second Premier League game, having been forced off at Liverpool on Thursday. The centre-back was impressive on New Year’s Day as cover for the injured Joe Rodon, while Ilia Gruev and Anton Stach partnered in midfield.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin also returned to the starting line-up, having been rested at Liverpool on Thursday. The red-hot striker was on a run of seven goals in six appearances but Farke reiterated his desire to look after his players during s busy period.
“We are not chasing individual records,” Farke said of the decision to rest Calvert-Lewin. “There is no benefit if he chases an individual record and then is out with a hamstring injury for several weeks. A key player for us so we have to look after him.
“The plan was that the striker had to work a lot at Anfield and then to bring him on for 20 or 30 minutes. He also scored but was just a few inches offside. Sometimes it’s a bit easier to score late on when you are recovered and the opponent is tired. He’s on a good run but sometimes the head needs to win over the heart.”