Chelsea vs Leeds United: Daniel Farke issues fresh injury update and team news plan before FA Cup clash

This is quite impressive, I was a bit more careful in my judgement at the beginning of the season, you can't just rely on a 17 y/o as a cornerstone in your team and you can't predict how it'll work out with his body but he's doing excellent and for that my concerns have eased up a lot. Meanwhile he's showing he's capable to perform every three days. When there's a chance to give him a little break, we are tempted to do this, but he's convinced all of us he can handle the load.

I wouldn't label it the next step to play in central midfield. He played there at the beginning of the season, centre mid is a valuable position, you need top class players in every position. I still rate him a bit more as a central midfielder, he has all the ingredients to shine, but we always make a decision what is best for the group and squad and Leeds United. With all respect to Archie, we are there with the best possible backing for his career and do it in a sensitive way, but it's not so much about individual players, it's what the individual player can bring to Leeds United. This club is more important than individual development of one player. I wouldn't rule out that in this season he will play in central midfield, but we have lots of competition in this position. Ampadu has excelled, Gruev been excellent, Glen Kamara too. Archie is happy that he's on the pitch.

It's never easy because 46 games, two cup competitions for a young player who was not used to playing week in week out, it's a new experience for him and his body. We have to be careful, he's one of the standout players with many end products. Many opponents try to play aggressive against him, he gets many hits and knocks but he shouldn't change it, his quality in 1-v-1 duels. There will sometimes be little hits and injuries, something he has to learn to adapt to. There are no complaints about this. Recent weeks it's been difficult for him, it's been a little bit stop-and-go, he was not involved in too many training sessions in recent weeks and this isn't helpful for rhythm. We have to make sure we sort his problems out so he's capable not just to handle the load of the games but capable to be there with proper training rhythm.

I would label this game, yes. Leicester is a really good side, they are there with a record point tally in this league. I was pleased with our performance but I would judge it in a way that our work against the ball, pressing, counter-pressing was spot on. I think no other game Leicester was used to so little possession, against the ball we were excellent the whole game. On such a level, fine margins are so crucial. They scored from a flicked set piece. On this level you have to be effective. We were effective from minute 50-75, had two or three big chances to score a goal. By our standards it was not our best game in possession, we were pressed and had to be quicker in our decision-making because Leicester are so organised, we allowed them too many transition moments. It was good preparation for the Chelsea game. You can't allow a side that's so quick in transition, Chelsea are the same. It is a topic that will be crucial on this level. We know we won't dominate the game but we will have possession spells and can't let Chelsea win possession in interesting areas.

I had the feeling after the game, the scenes on the pitch and in the dressing room, it's important to not be too overexcited. We are focused in order to be there after 46 games. It wouldn't help us to be over the moon or lose our ground because it's such a tight race. It's important to travel with a smile on our face and stay focused and keep going with really good performances.

We go into this with nothing to lose. We have to keep in mind there are three league games coming up, we have to take some smart decisions. In such a game when you are the underdog, I'd like to prepare in a special way, to mirror Chelsea or change the base formation but due to our schedule we won't do anything away from our normal rhythm. It would have an effect on upcoming league games. We stick to what we've done in the past. Try to be brave and defend really well. We know we need the best possible day to give us a chance to be successful, in this mood we will travel.

All my players are in my thoughts. It's such a tight group. Every player fit and available is normally in the gameday squad. Connor [Roberts] is an experienced player, had a great impact last game and is definitely in my thoughts. We have after the last game that cost lots of energy a few doubts. Bamford showed a reaction in his calf and a hit on his ankle. Summerville rolled his ankle and it's pretty swollen, question mark on his availability. Little bruise for Dan James, he should be available but we'll see. Major question mark over Georginio Rutter, he has some problems with his hip flexor. We won't risk long term injuries for this game. There will be some late decisions. Sam Byram back in team training and looks like he is available.

I'm a big believer in cup competitions. The FA Cup is probably the competition with the biggest history in Western Europe. We want to represent our club in the best possible way. When you are in the crunch time period for promotion you have to keep this in mind and in your decision-making you don't do anything stupid, risk any players, but nevertheless we know we will have amazing travelling support again. It's a spotlight game and we want to present ourselves in the best possible way. If I'm honest I'd prefer to have this game in different circumstances, not four games in ten days. Right now the kick-off Wednesday evening game and then Saturday lunchtime kick-off. Two-and-a-half days later a pretty important derby against Huddersfield. We want to make the best out of these circumstances.

I don't think it [League Cup final defeat] will help. Chelsea as a club, talented players they will have the ambition to play in Europe and the quickest way is to use the FA Cup right now. I expect an opponent who will be concentrated. For us it's also a big game, we'd like to extend our cup run but have to keep in mind there are a few other important things to focus on. I'm quite sure they will concentrate especially on this game.

After such a game there was lots of emotion, I'm always very tired. I need some time on the sofa to come down. We are heading into a busy period with the FA Cup game and three league games in six days so we need all the energy. It was important last few days to calm the load to be mentally and physically ready, because the load will be immense. We head into the new week with a good feeling, confidence and a smile.