Daniel Farke delivers Leeds United injury update ahead of Wolves, two wingers are major doubts
The fifth instalment of Leeds United’s battle to survive in the Premier League comes in the form of a trip to Wolves on Saturday afternoon, a side expected to be right down there with Leeds this season.
Following Gabriel Gudmundsson’s bizarre own goal at Fulham, Leeds have slipped into the bottom five places in the Premier League. But with four points from four, they are on course to survive at this rate.
Especially, if Wolves continue to go without securing any points. Four games, four losses for Wolves and manager Vitor Pereira. The pressure is on for Pereira, who was once linked with the Elland Road hotseat.
Wolves could be without star striker Jorgen Strand Larsen and have only scored two goals themselves. Leeds will be confident going into it, having won the last three Premier League games against Wolves.
Daniel Farke provides injury news ahead of Leeds v Wolves
Ahead of the press conference, Lucas Perri was ruled out for this game after picking up an injury in training, while Dan James came off early against Fulham. James had only just come on as a substitute.
But Ethan Ampadu, Noah Okafor, Lukas Nmecha, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all played despite being doubts against Fulham. Now, Farke gave an update to reporters during Thursday’s press conference.
Farke confirmed that James is a “major doubt” for the trip to Wolves with Perri also missing, while Willy Gnonto’s availability is also in doubt after picking up some calf problems ahead of the trip to Molineux.
“We have a few doubts for this game. Dan James is a major doubt; he’s struggling with his hip and core muscles. Willy Gnonto is struggling with some calf problems and missed a few training sessions.”
Pushed for an update on Lucas Perri, Farke said: “No [he’s not available], like I mentioned, he is out for this game and the middle of next week, we will have a clearer picture. Karl will play again.”
How Leeds United could now line-up against Wolves…
Karl Darlow is set to remain between the sticks with Perri missing for the second game in a row, while Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon and Gabriel Gudmundsson will all stay in defence. Jaka Bijol is waiting to start.
Had Bijol not been suspended for the opening game of the season, he may have started with Rodon. But Pascal Struijk has done well, even if he lost four of six duels at Fulham. Bijol might finally get his chance.
The midfield is set to remain the same, with Ampadu, Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach seeming to prove solidity in the middle of the park. Calvert-Lewin has come through unscathed and should lead the line.
The biggest talking points are out wide. With James and Gnonto possibly missing, Farke now has to pick through Okafor, Brenden Aaronson, and Jack Harrison. Harrison has a superb record against Wolves.
LeedsUnited.News has predicted Farke to make two changes to his Leeds starting XI. Finally, giving Bijol a chance at the back alongside Rodon in place of Struijk, and Harrison to get his first start, in for Aaronson.
