Daniel Farke reveals surprise Leeds United 'boost' for Newcastle clash as Joe Rodon return explained
There were a couple of surprise inclusions and absences in the Leeds United squad at St James’ Park.
Leeds United have been boosted by the early return of ‘warrior’ Joe Rodon who Daniel Farke expects to make a positive impact at Newcastle United this evening.
Farke’s starting line-up for Newcastle was confirmed at 7pm with the Whites boss making two changes from the side that drew 1-1 against Manchester United. One was widely expected, with Ethan Ampadu returning from suspension to replace Noah Okafor, while Brenden Aaronson moved into a more advanced position alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The other change saw Rodon make an earlier-than-expected return to the team, having missed the draws with Liverpool and Manchester United due to an ankle ligament injury. The centre-back was initially pencilled in for at least a three-game absence and expected to return the other side of Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Derby County.
Farke said earlier this week there was a chance either Rodon or Jayden Bogle (calf) could be involved at St James’ Park, with the former coming straight back into the starting line-up. Right-back Bogle remains sidelined, with the impressive James Justin keeping his place at wing-back.
“He's a really strong boy, our warrior,” Farke told Sky Sports of Rodon ahead of kick-off. “All in all he just missed seven days of training and was ever-present before.
“He looked sharp yesterday and during this busy time, to have him back a bit sooner than expected is definitely a boost for us. So I’m pretty sure he can deliver a good performance for us today.”
Sean Longstaff missed out against former club
Sean Longstaff returned from a calf injury to make the matchday squad against Manchester United last weekend, albeit he remained an unused substitute. Involvement against his former club Newcastle in some form was expected but he was neither named in the starting line-up nor substitute’s bench at St James’ Park.
Leeds know they will finish the evening at least eight points clear of 18th-placed West Ham, who lost 2-1 at home to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest on Tuesday. A point or three would further increase their cushion on both and could even pull them above Bournemouth in 15th.
“This is one of the most intense sides in this league, especially in the home games,” Farke added of Wednesday’s task. “Unbelievable tempo, pressing and counter-pressing. We need good solutions in build-up, also to stay composed on the ball and bypass the pressing.
“They’re a very physical side, so lots of commitment. Always compact and also need a good structure in possession to open them up. A very complex performance is needed.”