Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has delivered his injury news as we prepare to travel down to Bournemouth.
The Whites are currently on a run of two wins in eight from the first set of Premier League fixtures. But, that run of form only has one defeat in it, with Leeds sitting seventh ahead of this weekend.
Up next is Bournemouth, who are in a serious run of form, winning their last five across all competitions without conceding.
Leeds United team news pre-Bournemouth: Nico Elvedi fit, Joe Rodon close, Anton Stach doubt
It was largely positive injury news to come out of Daniel Farke’s fairly heated press conference.
The first topic was centre-back Nico Elvedi. Leeds’ impressive summer signing was missing against Sunderland due to illness, but Farke confirmed that he’s fit for Saturday after shaking off this issue.
Elsewhere, centre-back Joe Rodon has returned to some parts of team training this week and is edging closer to his long-awaited return to action.
At the other end of the pitch, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor have trained all week and are fully fit for Saturday too.
Although Anton Stach’s foot issue persists this week, seeing him a doubt for our trip to the South Coast. Dan James, meanwhile, was left out against Sunderland for tactical reasons, as he continues to work up sharpness.
Could Sean Longstaff make his way into Leeds United starting XI?
Elvedi being back to full fitness means he surely starts in the middle of the defence. I love Jaka Bijol, but in his starts so far this season, he’s not filled me with huge confidence. Especially compared to how well Elvedi’s performed.
Up the field, though, I do think there’s scope for Sean Longstaff to come into the side. Whether it’s from a 3-4-2-1 formation, or if we shift into a back four again in a 4-3-3 – I do think Longstaff is worth considering here.
Even if you ignore his two goals against the Cherries last season, his cameo was very encouraging at Sunderland. With Stach a doubt and not playing well whatsoever, I wouldn’t mind seeing Longstaff get the nod.
I’d anticipate that Farke shifts away from starting Harry Wilson and Brenden Aaronson on Saturday. Neither did anything to warrant being in the matchday squad again, let alone starting.
