Leeds United’s starting lineup for their Championship matchup against Rotherham on Friday night may change under Daniel Farke’s direction.
The Whites won their final match before the international break 2-1, but the manager may have struggled with some post-match injury concerns.
The manager may decide to make some changes to his team in order to avoid any long-term problems, especially since some players have already played in midweek for their national teams prior to the match.
Without a doubt, Illan Meslier will stay in goal and use his performances to keep summer signing Karl Darlow off the pitch.
Junior Firpo made his season debut in defence when Sam Byram was forced off due to injury during the victory over Plymouth. However, it is hoped that Byram will be able to play left back again, so the Spaniard will sit back again.
Archie Grey is expected to stay in the side at right-back as Luke Ayling is still being neglected while Djed Spence recovers from a knee injury. Spence returned from international duty early in order to manage his minutes.
Pascal Struijk had hernia surgery prior to the break in the hopes that he would only miss a small amount of action. However, Farke is unlikely to rush him back, so Liam Cooper and Joe Rodon should continue, even though Liam Cooper played for Wales in the middle of the week.
The same is true for Ethan Ampadu, who has participated in every Whites game this season and will undoubtedly be selected again if fitness permits. Glen Kamara, who has put up strong performances lately, ought to be Ampadu’s partner.
After taking some time off during the international break, Crysencio Summerville, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury, should be able to play in attack. However, he may start on the right wing.
The reason for this is that Wilfried Gnonto, who has had his injury record cleared and has scored four goals in two games for Italy, deserves to start again in the starting lineup following his strong performances.
Daniel James was a late substitute in both of Wales’ games and didn’t play much, so Gnonto might be able to take his place at Elland Road.
Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter, who have gelled as a team this season, should start ahead of them, but Patrick Bamford will be vying for a start to atone for his most recent missed penalty.
