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?
13. Brentford - 11
Key absences: Caoimhin Kelleher, Igor Thiago, Nathan Collins, Jordan Henderson, Dango Ouattara Photo: George Wood
14. Aston Villa - 11
Key absences: Emi Martinez, Morgan Rogers, Amadou Onana, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans | PA
15. Chelsea - 11
Key absences: Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto | Getty Images
16. Bournemouth - 10
Key absences: Marcos Senesi, Rayan, Eli Junior Kroupi, Ryan Christie, David Brooks Photo: Danny Lawson
17. Wolves - 9
Key absences: Ladislav Krejci, Jose Sa, Matheus Mane, Santiago Bueno, Hwang Hee-Chan
18. Nottingham Forest - 8
Key absences: Neco Williams, Elliot Anderson, Ibrahim Sangare, Nikola Milenkovic, Dan Ndoye | Getty Images