Leeds United head into their crucial clash against Championship leaders Sunderland with several key players sidelined due to injury.
Daniel Farke’s squad has been hit hard in recent weeks, and Thursday’s update brought more bad news as Ilia Gruev has been ruled out for an extended period following a knee injury sustained against Norwich City.
Bulgarian international Ilia Gruev is set for an extended absence after sustaining a serious knee injury during the midweek draw against Norwich City. Leeds United have confirmed that Gruev suffered a “significant meniscus injury” and will undergo surgery in the coming days.
This comes after the loss of Ethan Ampadu, who had already joined a growing injury list that has left Farke with some difficult decisions ahead of Friday night’s game.
Meanwhile, summer signing Isaac Schmidt is expected to make his return to the matchday squad after recovering from a minor glute injury.
Speaking about the challenges, Farke said, “We have to be at our best to have a chance, but in these moments when you don’t have the key players available, it’s about sticking together and creating unity in the squad. Once we are together and spirited, we have a chance to win the next game.”
In addition to Gruev and Ampadu, Farke will also be without Max Wöber, Manor Solomon, and Daniel James, all ruled out due to injuries. This depletion of first-team regulars means Farke must rely on his squad depth, with some players stepping up in crucial positions. Despite the injuries, Leeds remain unbeaten on the road this season and will be looking to extend that record in what promises to be a difficult fixture.
Predicted Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Illan Meslier
The Frenchman has been ever-present in goal this season and will continue to guard the net at the Stadium of Light.
Right-back: Jayden Bogle
A summer signing, Bogle has established himself as the first-choice right-back and is expected to retain his place.
Centre-back: Joe Rodon
Rodon has impressed since making his loan move permanent and will likely start once again.
Centre-back: Pascal Struijk
With Ampadu out, Struijk will wear the captain’s armband and lead the defence with his experience.
Left-back: Junior Firpo
Farke will look to Firpo to provide energy and width from the left-back position.
Central Midfielder: Ao Tanaka
The Japan international made his first start against Norwich and is likely to retain his place in midfield.
Central Midfielder: Joe Rothwell
With Gruev sidelined, Rothwell is expected to make a rare league start, filling the gap in central midfield.
Right-winger: Willy Gnonto
Gnonto has been in fine form recently, contributing a goal and two assists in his last two outings.
Attacking Midfielder: Brenden Aaronson
The American has cemented his place in Farke’s starting XI and will be pivotal in linking the midfield and attack.
Left-winger: Largie Ramazani
After finding his rhythm, Ramazani will be hoping to continue his recent good form with another impactful display.
Striker: Mateo Joseph
Joseph has become Farke’s preferred option up front and will aim to add to his solitary goal this season.
Writer’s View
Leeds United’s injury woes couldn’t have come at a worse time, with key players dropping out ahead of a massive clash against Sunderland. Ilia Gruev’s knee injury is a real blow for Daniel Farke, especially with the Bulgarian just starting to settle into his role. A meniscus injury is no quick fix either, and Leeds will be missing his presence in midfield for a while. Add to that the long-term absence of Ethan Ampadu, plus Max Wöber, Daniel James, and Manor Solomon already sidelined, and you’ve got a squad stretched to its limits. Farke’s been upbeat, talking about unity and sticking together, but even the best managers struggle when their team is missing this many regulars.
On the bright side, Leeds still have enough quality in the squad to make it through, and players like Isaac Schmidt returning from a minor injury is a welcome boost. The likes of Gnonto, Aaronson, and Ramazani are in good form, and with Meslier solid in goal, there’s every chance Leeds can get something from Sunderland. Yes, they’ll miss Gruev’s tenacity in midfield, but this is where the rest of the squad needs to step up. Farke’s job now is about getting the balance right with what he has and making sure Leeds can stay competitive at the top of the table. It’s a long season, and if they can ride out this injury storm, they’ll be in a good position come the business end.
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