Leeds United have a host of injuries to contend with for Sunday’s final home game of the season against Brighton - and this is how we think the Whites will line up.
Leeds were already without Gabi Gudmundsson, Noah Okafor and Ilia Gruev ahead of Monday night’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur for which Pascal Struijk was a doubt following a knock to his hip.
Struijk made the starting line up but Jayden Bogle and Facundo Buonanotte then emerged as two new absentees, both with hamstring injuries.
Struijk was then forced off in the game itself, the defender clearly struggling with his hip and news of a new Leeds then emerged at Friday’s pre-match press conference as Farke revealed that captain Ethan Ampadu had been struggling with illness.
With Buonanotte ineligible to face his parent side it means that seven Leeds players are either out or doubtful and this is the XI that we think Farke will now select for the final home game of the season.
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1. GK: Karl Darlow
Leeds have a host of injuries but none between the sticks and Darlow appears all set for another start in goal. | Getty Images
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2. RWB: Dan James
James would not be the most obvious first outfield player in a team named from back to front but he started at right wing back at Tottenham and it might be that injuries lead to the same again against Brighton with Jayden Bogle and Gabi Gudmundsson both out, even if James hardly excelled in the position at Spurs. Sam Byram is another option but he's played just seven minutes of football this year so a start for him feels like a stretch. Willy Gnonto at wing back is another possibility but James feels more likely. A huge chance for him in the final home game of the season if so. | Getty Images
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3. CB: Joe Rodon
A no brainer to start, just a case of in what formation but as part of a three-man centre back axis seems most likely. | Getty Images
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4. CB: Jaka Bijol
With Struijk a big doubt, Bijol is surely another certain starter and a thriving player who would probably be in the XI anyway now even with everyone fit. | AFP via Getty Images
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5. CB: Sebastiaan Bornauw
It might be that Struijk makes it but it's not difficult to see him missing out and Bornauw coming into the defence is the most obvious replacement. | Getty Images
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6. LWB: James Justin
It might be that the versatile Justin plays at centre-back if Struijk misses out but Leeds are also very short at full back so a start at left wing back might be the one for Justin who could also end up wearing the captain's armband if Struijk and Ampadu both miss out. A definite to be in the team, just a case of in what position. | Getty Images