Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Elland Road (20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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Farke said he has the “same group of players available” as he did for last weekend’s draw at Brentford.
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Dan James is not expected to return until the new year: “No surgery. So, thank God, it’s the conservative route, but it will still be about eight weeks in total before he can return to team training. And then let’s see how quickly he can be back to full speed.”
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On Sean Longstaff: “He is progressing in his rehab, also doing individual stuff on the pitch, running and a little bit with a ball. But the first step will be for him to be integrated into team training and then, of course, a few training sessions to be available. Then, we decide, from game to game and from day to day.”
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Lukas Nmecha will also miss Palace’s visit: “Lukas is also out of the next game. He’s still a bit symptomatic.”
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On Eagles boss Oliver Glasner, who Farke faced in the Bundesliga: “Fantastic job, not just with Crystal Palace but before in the Bundesliga. Quality is always defined by what you do over a long-term period and that is what Oliver is delivering.”
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Asked what has changed for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to find form, Farke said: “He had a lack of game time over the last few years. A lot of small injuries. It was key to take care of him so he can train and stay fit. You need a few weeks to get the confidence in your body and your game back. Right now you can see the rewards.”
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Can Calvert-Lewin find his way back into the England squad? “He’s done it before. Quite a few caps for England and quite a good goal record. His quality and potential was and is never in doubt.”
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On Joel Piroe, who has started just twice in the league so far this season: “Finishing is world-class – such a great character. When we’re not dominant in the game sometimes you need more pace or physicality. Right now, there are not many games when we can be dominant. Still definitely in my plans.”
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Farke is not anticipating departures in January: “I have no indication that anyone wants to leave. All players with us are part of my plans. They should all be desperate to be in the squad. This is how you have quality. You always have to choose an XI and disappoint another XI.”
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However, he is also wary of trying to bring in players: “It is a difficult market, just a limited number of players available. If you sign in the summer, you have whole of pre-season to prepare. January is difficult because a player is a problem who has an injury or not much game time – or you have to spend a lot. You need many things to come together.”
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He added: “We always have to stay awake, if we find someone who makes our group better and is affordable – we have to be prepared.”
