Daniel Farke, manager of Leeds United, has provided an update on injuries within his squad ahead of their Sunday clash with Nottingham Forest.
Last season, at the second time of asking, Farke led Leeds back to the Premier League as centurions and winners of the Championship. After 10 games in the top flight, the Whites have picked up 11 points as, alongside Sunderland and Burnley, the newly-promoted teams have enjoyed promising starts to the campaign.
Leeds are certainly at their best when at home, having lost only to Tottenham Hotspur in five games at Elland Road. On the road, however, Leeds have just one win, which came against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Not only have they lost the other four matches, but excluding the win over Wolves, Leeds have not scored away from home.
The Whites are next in action on Sunday when they travel to face Forest, who have not won in the Premier League since their opening day victory against Brentford.
Sean Dyche oversaw a victory against Porto in the Europa League on his debut as Forest manager, having since lost to Bournemouth as well as draws with Man United and Sturm Graz.
Ahead of their visit to the City Ground, Farke has revealed which of his players have faced fitness setbacks.
Farke reveals Leeds pair are struggling with injury
Signed for just over £5 million in the summer from Wolfsburg, Sebastiaan Bornauw was recruited to serve as depth to pre-existing centre-back options Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon, along with fellow summer addition Jaka Bijol.
Yet to make his Premier League debut for the Whites, Bornauw has played just once for the club, when he featured against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup. Farke has now revealed that the Belgian is struggling with a new injury suffered behind closed doors.
“There’s also a little question mark over Sebastiaan Bornauw. He got a hit against his MCL in training this week and missed a session so we’ll see if he’s available, but all the others are fine and ready to go.”
Elsewhere within the team, it will be a “late call” whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin can play against Forest. The former Everton striker has been brilliant for Leeds, giving them a physical outlet up front that has allowed them to compete in the Premier League.
“It’s a little adductor strain, it will be a tight race so we will make a late call. His rehab is progressing well, but he’s not in team training yet. We still have a couple more days. We won’t take any risks and it will be a late decision if he travels with us. He is a question mark.”
Lukas Nmecha is a serviceable back-up option, but Leeds will hope that both Bornauw and Calvert-Lewin are not absent for too long. Given that, including Joel Piroe, no Leeds striker has been a consistent goal threat this season, it may be that Farke could soon turn to some younger options within his squad.
“Dangerous” striker could be open to Leeds switch in January
