Leeds United travel to Preston this weekend, with full-backs on Daniel Farke’s team news agenda following the triumph against Middlesbrough.
After a midweek victory over Middlesbrough, the Whites are three points clear of the pursuing pack in the playoff places and one point behind first place.
Next up is a trip to Deepdale, where Leeds will hope to improve on their performance from last season, when they were defeated by the home side on Boxing Day.
Leeds team news: Late tests for Max Wöber, Sam Byram, and Jayden Bogle
Leeds defeated Middlesbrough on Tuesday despite missing both of their starting full-backs due to injury: Junior Firpo for four to six weeks and Jayden Bogle for a more slight setback, both with hamstring issues.
Sam Byram and Max Wöber started and impressed as they shut down Boro’s major wide threat; the former even helped set up Leeds‘ second goal with a smashing tackle on Joel Piroe.
Now, with Preston up next, Farke spoke in his pre-match press conference and offered some worrying team news (via LeedsLive).
“A busy week. Three games in seven days. Start early. Some late decisions. Those who played 90 minutes on Tuesday have simply received recuperation workouts. This afternoon will be a proper session, and we will make decisions then.
“A few players have knocks and question marks. Wöber, busy week, first appearance in the lineup in ages. Can he complete three in seven? I can’t answer yes right now because his knee is swollen from the last game. I hope he can train. Likewise with Byram. Some cramping. It looks better.
“Bogle has improved. Today’s session will be for testing him. Many players will take tests today before making judgments tomorrow. I hope they are all available, except from our long-term issues. We need to wait and see.”
This weekend, Leeds could be concerned about the full-back position.
Leeds should ignore Preston if they want to win the league this season, but having full-backs who aren’t fit is an issue.
Wöber and Byram have been highly solid deputies this season in the wake of Firpo and Bogle setbacks, so their starting position is not a concern.
However, if they are not fit, we will be left with little choices for the back four in addition to Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk.
If players are not fit, Isaac Schmidt will almost certainly be considered for minutes.
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