Leeds United will begin their new season against Cardiff City on Sunday.
The Whites have high expectations for the new season, as they aim to return to the Premier League at the first attempt. Daniel Farke, on the other hand, may have his work cut out for him early on, with his squad still not totally formed due to continuing moves, both incoming and exiting. Nonetheless, Farke will have a good roster to choose from for his team’s opener against Cardiff.
That’s despite the German boss dealing with a number of injuries within his squad.
Farke said during his pre-match press conference on Friday: “Sadly, we have had during the last week some injures. Bamford won’t return before the first international break. Rutter looks slightly better. Core injury, but he will miss Sunday and the next cup game. Hopefully he can return as quick as possible.”
“(Mateo) Joseph rolled his ankle in training on Tuesday. He was on crutches yesterday, but looks better than it was two days ago. He will miss the next three to four weeks.”
After admitting Leeds have been training with just 16 players, Farke added on Stuart Dallas: “It’s not possible to give a timescale because it was a bad injury and we have to make sure Stuart [Dallas] comes back as strong as possible. He’s done so much for this club, he’s good to have around the dressing room even in his rehab. It’s too soon to give a timeframe.”
Finally, on Sam Greenwood, Tyler Adams and Jack Harrison, Farke continued: “Sam Greenwood improved after we spoke the last time two weeks ago. I think Tyler is hopefully not too far away from returning back to team training.
“I expect them [Adams & Harrison] to be really in the mix for competitive games after the International break. Hopefully, Tyler can return earlier or back into team training, but he was out for such a long time. He needs also a bit of training.”
