Daniel Farke gives update on Leeds quintet, lefty out but four now available including £11m man

Daniel Farke has told Wednesday afternoon’s press conference that Leo Hjelde will be missing from Leeds United’s clash against West Brom – but Sam Greenwood, Cody Drameh, Joe Rodon and Georginio Rutter should be available.

Farke is preparing his side for a fourth game in charge ahead of Friday night, when Leeds play host to West Brom – a game that sees Carlos Corberan return to Elland Road. It comes after a dismal defeat to Birmingham City last time.

Leeds could only name eight players on the bench against Birmingham – including two goalkeepers. Ian Poveda was in the starting line-up, and Jamie Shackleton played as a right winger. Very unbalanced, lacking attacking quality.

On Friday, things look a bit better. Farke said Hjelde has suffered a concussion and that means he will be missing until next Monday, following protocol. But quartet Greenwood, Drameh, Rodon and Rutter have all trained this week.

“Some bad news about Hjelde. He suffered a concussion in training and because we have to follow the concussion protocols of the League, he will be out until next Monday. But some good news, Greenwood is back in training.

Able to train the whole week. Rutter and Rodon, proper training week so far. They are in the mix. [On Drameh] He had his first proper training week, this week,” Farke told Wednesday’s press conference, as per Leeds’ YouTube.

Farke says Hjelde missing but quartet return as Leeds face West Brom

It is good news. Realistically, Sam Byram was always going to start at left-back against The Baggies on Friday night. But the returning quartet could all start. Drameh might come in over Luke Ayling, who is struggling to find his form.

Joe Rodon may come in into the middle of the defence, a first start for Tottenham’s £11m signing. He joined to start matches and would not have joined otherwise. With Poveda at no.10, surely Greenwood could start on Friday.

Then, up top, Joe Gelhardt lacks the physical presence as a no.9. It means crosses cannot come into the box. He is better as a 10. Rutter is more suited, able to hold the ball up and taller in stature. All four could come in and start.