Leeds United first name on team sheet named for Derby County but injury return all-but ruled out

The Whites get a break from the intensity of their Premier League survival battle this weekend and will travel to Championship side Derby County. John Eustace's men sit 13th in the second tier but as Farke himself pointed out in Thursday's press conference, the Rams boss has had his number and made life difficult for him in previous meetings.

This game is a chance for Farke to rotate and give some weary legs a rest after four Premier League games in 10 days and late drama at Newcastle United in midweek. He insists Leeds will do anything in their power to make it to the next round, but risks will not be taken with players' fitness. And with right-back Jayden Bogle still not back in team training having sat out the last two games with a calf issue, he is now considered unlikely to be involved on Sunday.

"If it's risky I wouldn't do it," said Farke. "It will be more or less the same group available for the last game. Joe [Rodon] was a bit tired but no injuries or set-backs. The only one struggling today was Sam Byram with some back problems, perhaps more to do with [all the] travelling recently. A few players played many minutes and we'll assess them if they're capable and make some late decisions. I don't think Jayden Bogle will be a topic, he was not back in team training today. If there's any risk I would rather rule him out. Daniel James no chance for him to be involved."

James continues to work his way back to full health after a hamstring tendon injury. His Welsh international team-mate Karl Darlow can expect to play on Sunday however. Farke has named his starting goalkeeper in what was always a planned swap. The German has also challenged current first choice stopper Lucas Perri to 'step up' after mistakes the manager criticised publicly in the last two games.

"Karl Darlow will play in goal," said Farke. "That's the only thing I can confirm today. But in terms of who will start offensive wise we'll take late decisions.

"I always like to be open and honest about everything. We've had a few situations where [Lucas'] decision making wasn't great. It's important not to hide this fact and talk nonsense. The most important thing is to be self critical. He should have done better. We must not forget it's his first season in English football and you always have to adapt to the physicality in the box, the intensity in the pressing. He arrived late in pre-season, had an injury then and in the season. He's such a nice guy. Everyone wants him to do well. But in this position it's important we deliver proper, he knows he has to step up with better performances. He knows he has to improve."

Sean Longstaff dropped out of the squad for the Newcastle United game, despite being on the bench against Manchester United but Farke has explained there was no set-back for the midfielder, who has just recovered from a calf strain.

“My head had to win over my heart,” said Farke. “Of course it would have amazing for him to be back at Newcastle but I have to take the right decisions for the squad. He was out for six weeks with a calf injury. Just a few sessions with a smaller group. I had him for the spirit in the dressing room against Man Utd, I wanted his leadership and it was never the plan to play him. We had Ethan and Joe back at Newcastle, midfield options on the bench and I didn’t need him that much as a fifth midfield option. It was more important to be prepared for a centre-back option on the bench or wing-back. I wanted Sam Byram on the bench as an option. The more days he spends on the training pitch the more he edges closer and it could be he travels with the FA Cup group.”