Boss Daniel Farke made just one change to his side for Saturday’s hosting of Derby County as injury doubt Junior Firpo started despite having taken a hit to his foot in training. Winger Manor Solomon replaced the benched Willy Gnonto as the only alteration to the XI but Farke was then forced into an early change when Firpo suffered a hamstring injury.
Max Wober was brought on as his replacement and scored the second goal in a 2-0 victory for Farke’s side, after which the Whites boss said Firpo’s injury would need to be assessed. Farke then revealed on Monday that Firpo’s hamstring injury was a serious one and that the left back was looking at four to six weeks out.
The Whites boss also revealed that right-back Jayden Bogle was a doubt to face Boro – also due to a hamstring issue – but not a serious one. But better news was delivered about Sam Byram who himself has been absent of late with a hamstring injury but has now made a very timely return to team training.
Firpo’s confirmed absence means there will be at least one change to face Boro and we think there will be a few. Tuesday night’s visit of Boro marks the second part of three games within a week and this is the XI that we think Farke will send out against Michael Carrick’s Riversiders.
7. CM: Joe Rothwell
Ampadu is now back in the mix but surely too soon to start and in any case Rothwell keeps on impressing, man of the match no less against Derby, Photo: George Wood
8. RW: Willy Gnonto
Farke is continually rotating his wingers and it seems likely that Gnonto will now come back into the XI having been benched against Derby as Manor Solomon came in. A third change, in for Solomon. Photo: George Wood
9. LW: Dan James
Much could depend on how ready Largie Ramazani is for a start upon his recent return from an ankle injury. But he's still not had that many minutes since returning so possibly a toss up between James and Solomon with James just fancied to get the call after a frustrating game for Solomon v Derby. Photo: George Wood
10. ACM: Brenden Aaronson
Farke's clear preference in the no 10 role and a surprise if that changes. Photo: George Wood
11. ST: Joel Piroe
Piroe, Mateo Joseph or Patrick Bamford but Joseph now seems fairly established as first choice on recent evidence. Photo: George Wood