Leeds United are scheduled to return to Thorp Arch for the start of preseason on July 1.
Leeds United‘s pre-season campaign will begin on July 1 at Thorp Arch, and Daniel Farke is anticipated to welcome back the majority of his first-team squad. Of course, some players have been given more time off due to foreign commitments, with Brenden Aaronson and Max Wober perhaps still competing in tournaments at that moment.
As is customary, the first several days will be spent testing players’ physical fitness before the campaign begins. Leeds’ first pre-season friendly, against League Two side Harrogate Town, is planned for July 19 at the Exercise Stadium.
Given that this will be Leeds‘ first encounter in nearly two months, Farke will distribute minutes evenly throughout his team to ensure that the majority of players engaged get a chance to play. With that in mind, here’s who could be included and how Leeds might line up if the manager selects a full-strength squad.
GK: Illan Meslier
Meslier was not active internationally this summer and is scheduled to return to pre-season training on day one.
RB: Sam Byram
Byram‘s contract with Leeds has been renewed, and he’ll be anxious to improve his fitness and make the most of his first full pre-season back with the club.
CB: Charlie Cresswell
Cresswell will have plenty to prove this summer after a dismal season last year. As one of the squad’s only healthy and available centre-backs, he could start against Harrogate.
CB: Pascal Struijk.
Struijk missed the second half of last season due to a hip injury, but Daniel Farke hoped he would recover in time for pre-season. If he is fit, the defender might play some important minutes in the first preseason friendly.
LB: Junior Firpo
Firpo is scheduled to return to pre-season training on July 8 following his international obligations with the Dominican Republic, but Leeds does not have any other natural left-back options, therefore he may have to play at the Exercise Stadium.
CM: Ilia Gruev
Gruev was not involved with Bulgaria this month, so he should be returning to Thorp Arch on July 1.
CM: Archie Gray
The kid has been extensively linked away from Elland Road, but he is expected to return for day one of pre-season, making him eligible for the match against the League Two side.
RM: Wilfried Gnonto
Gnonto is still a Leeds player for the time being, and considering that he was not involved with Italy this summer, he will return to Thorp Arch at the beginning of July. Farke will be required to distribute minutes evenly around the squad, but Gnonto might perhaps start.
CAM: Georginio Rutter
Rutter is determined to build on his great first full season at Elland Road, and having a strong pre-season will help him do so.
LM: Crysencio Summerville
Summerville has been linked with a number of clubs this summer, but as long as he stays with Leeds, he should be available to play in preseason friendlies. It is unclear whether he will be with Leeds by the end of the transfer window.
ST: Patrick Bamford
Bamford missed the end of last season due to injury, and he’ll be desperate to put those troubles behind him the next time around. A full pre-season will be essential, and the trip to Harrogate allows him to gain valuable minutes.
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