Daniel Farke says 30-year-old Leeds player is now finally ready to play more minutes
Daniel Farke provided an injury update on his Leeds United squad in his press conference yesterday.
The Whites are set to host Stoke City at Elland Road tonight as they look to return to winning ways after a bruising 1-1 draw in the West Yorkshire derby at Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Given Firpo’s injury problems earlier in the season, it would probably be wise not to risk him if there is any doubt on his fitness, leaving Sam Byram with the opportunity to make his first league start in over two months.
Byram has been struggling with on and off injury problems since the start of December now, but speaking to the press on Monday, Farke says he looks ready if needed.
Farke says Byram ready for more minutes
He said: “Yeah so overall right now he has been back in team training for 10 days more or less. Each and every day helps him, but he is also experienced and knows his body well, after two or three days it would’ve been too early to start him.
“Right now like always we have a quick turnaround and will make late decisions on the starting line-up. Meanwhile I think he is also definitely in a shape for more minutes than perhaps before.”
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Thankfully despite Leeds’ intense schedule, Firpo’s body has held up well but there is no point risking him today unless he is 100 per cent fit and so Farke will need Byram to be fully ready.
The 30-year-old had been really impressive for Leeds up until suffering with all these injury issues and so his inclusion in the team certainly wouldn’t bring down the level in any way.
