Leeds United boss Daniel Farke is probably the least happy about the upcoming international break amongst the sides competing at the top of the Championship, according to Phil Hay.
Speaking on The Square Podcast on Monday (18 March), the Athletic journalist said Junior Firpo is likely to miss the game against Watford on 29 March as he’s unlikely to return from international duty with the Dominican Republic until that day.
He added that it means a change will be needed at left-back in the 27-year-old’s absence after Farke’s side have been in great form in recent weeks at Elland Road.
“Leeds have the momentum and the impetus,” said Hay. “Farke is probably the one of the three managers at the top who is the least happy about this break coming around. I think he can see the value of having a breather and I think it will be good for Leeds to be able to draw breath, but you don’t genuinely choose to take a bit of rest bite when you don’t need it, which Leeds don’t at the moment.
“I think the reason why it’s not the big help that it could be is because a lot of players will be away and a lot of players will play during it. He won’t get much in the way of full training sessions with the squad. I don’t think it handicaps Leeds massively that they won’t necessarily be able to do a huge amount of preparation for Watford away, but as Farke said, it’s likely Firpo will miss that game.
“He’s going to be away with the Dominican Republic and I don’t think he’s due back until that Friday, certainly that’s what Farke was saying. That means a change to that position in the team and, whether you rate Firpo or want him at left-back or whatever else, the results speak for themselves. The team as it is at the moment is really settled and is going along nicely.”
Junior Firpo could be miss for Leeds United against Millwall
It will be extremely disappointing for Farke to not have Firpo available against Watford after he’s nailed down a place in the starting lineup over the past couple of months.
The left-back has started 16 of the past 17 games for Leeds, tying in with the excellent form they have been in during this calendar year.
While Sam Byram is a reliable deputy, the Whites boss won’t want to have to change his defence too much in the run-in if he doesn’t have to.
Firpo adds more of an attacking threat than his teammate and he possesses the speed to get back in position quickly.
It will just be the one game that he misses, though, meaning Byram will be looking to make an impression against the Hornets to compete for a starting spot as he looks to help his side push for promotion.
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