Leeds United’s training sessions will look a little different over the next week with 12 first-team players on international duty. Six are in World Cup qualifying action this evening with friendlies lined up for the others during an important period for all nations heading to the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer.
While it offers a chance for fringe players to stake their claim for more minutes, the absence of first-team regulars will affect Daniel Farke’s sessions at Thorp Arch. The Leeds boss will be glad to see his stars on the world stage but would much rather have had them back home for two weeks of uninterrupted work.
Leeds haven’t lost as many as some Premier League teams but compared to relegation rivals like West Ham and Nottingham Forest, they are positively flush with internationals. Could that make any difference when it comes to survival?
7. Sunderland - 12
Key absences: Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Omar Alderete, Brian Brobbey | Getty Images
8. Fulham - 12
Key absences: Harry Wilson, Raul Jimenez, Alex Iwobi, Joachim Andersen, Antonee Robinson | Getty Images
9. Leeds United - 12
Key absences: Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Jaka Bijol, Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin | Getty Images
10. Tottenham Hotspur - 12
Key absences: Archie Gray, Christian Romero, Randal Kolo Muani, Xavi Simons, Pedro Porro | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
11. Brighton & Hove Albion - 12
Key absences: Bart Verbruggen, Jan Paul van Hecke, Pascal Gross, Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh | Getty Images
12. Newcastle United - 12
Key absences: Lewis Hall, Anthony Gordon, Malick Thiaw, Sandro Tonali, Nick Woltemade | AFP via Getty Images