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Leeds United kick off their seven-game Premier League home straight with a tricky trip to Manchester United on Monday. The Whites beat West Ham on penalties to secure an FA Cup semi-final spot last weekend but it came at a cost, with Anton Stach and Joe Rodon both suffering injuries.
Daniel Farke confirmed on Thursday the pair will miss Monday’s trip to Old Trafford and likely the rest of April, with Daniel James (adductor) also sidelined. There are doubts over Jaka Bijol (knock), Gabriel Gudmundsson (groin) and Noah Okafor (back) too, with the Leeds squad all of a sudden looking potentially threadbare.
But Farke was not feeling sorry for himself on Thursday and instead saw that growing injury list as an opportunity for those on the fringes to contribute. Below, the YEP has attempted to predict how the Leeds boss could line up with changes enforced and a difficult match ahead.
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7. CM: Ethan Ampadu
Leadership and grit will be more important than ever with other key players absent. Will be tasked with keeping the red-hot Bruno Fernandes quiet. | Getty Images
8. CM: Ilia Gruev
Comes in for the injured Stach with Farke likely keen to keep things tight, for the first 60 minutes or so at least. Will provide extra support for Ampadu, also allowing wing-backs to be a little more adventurous when possible. | Getty Images
9. CM: Ao Tanaka
Farke said on Thursday Leeds must do more than park the bus and Tanaka will at least give them attacking quality in midfield. Rewarded for a decent performance and goal at West Ham. | Getty Images
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10. LWB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Not risked against West Ham and will hopefully return at Old Trafford. Could play a key role with Manchester United dangerous but vulnerable down their right-hand side. He's been missed. | Getty Images
11. ST: Noah Okafor
Brought a one-v-one quality to the team that has been severely missing in recent weeks. Expected to drift wide an exploit any space down the Manchester United right, should a minor back issue ease up in time. | Getty Images
12. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Back in to lead the line having buried two penalties at West Ham. Should relish the physical battle against Leny Yoro and Lisandro Martinez, with Harry Maguire suspended. | Getty Images