Every word Daniel Farke said on Lukas Nmecha injury, Leeds United January transfer plans & Noah Okafor role
Daniel Farke is expected to provide an update on his Leeds United striker among other things at this afternoon's press conference.
Leeds United welcome Crystal Palace to Elland Road this weekend and ahead of that meeting, Daniel Farke will hold his pre-game press conference this afternoon.
The Whites are enjoying their best period of form this season, with last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Brentford their third game without defeat. In-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin cancelled out Jordan Henderson’s opener to bring another decent point back to West Yorkshire, following victory over Chelsea and a six-goal stalemate with Liverpool.
Lukas Nmecha missed that 3-3 draw against the reigning champions and Sunday’s trip to the Gtech Community Stadium with a hamstring injury and Farke is expected to provide an update on his striker today. The 27-year-old was not categorically ruled out of Brentford and with a full week to recover and train, there is hope he’ll be fit in time to face Palace.
Should Nmecha miss out, it will be up to Farke whether to stick with Noah Okafor upfront, with the Swiss international dangerous in moments at Brentford but unable to score or assist. Might it be time for Willy Gnonto to return to the starting line-up, given his assist at Brentford and impact off the bench against Liverpool? And could that spell another formation tweak?
Two squad members almost certain to miss Saturday’s game are Daniel James and Sean Longstaff, who are out with hamstring tendon and calf issues respectively. It’s been a couple of weeks since we had detailed updates on either and so Farke could be asked to provide that heading into Christmas.
Leeds United January transfer plans another topic for today
And with Christmas just one week away, the January transfer window is also edging closer with the YEP reporting last week that Leeds are expected to delve into the loan market. Farke has hinted towards mid-season business in recent weeks and might be asked to give his thoughts more directly this afternoon.
Leeds wanted a creative right-winger/No.10 type in the summer but that was before Farke’s switch to a 3-5-2 formation. The Whites boss might be asked if his transfer shopping list has changed based on that tweak and the growing importance of Dominic Calvert-Lewin up top.
As a regular voice against fixture congestion and unusual scheduling decisions, Farke might also be asked to give his thoughts on the fact Crystal Palace play European football just 48 hours before Saturday’s game at Elland Road. Oliver Glasner has already revealed he won’t start anyone in both games due to his responsibility for player welfare.
Daniel Farke is due to sit down in front of the press at 1.30pm. Stay tuned for updates...