Daniel Farke hopes that Sam Byram will be completely available for Friday night’s Championship match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.
Daniel Farke has stated that Sam Byram is fully available for Leeds United’s Friday night trip to West Bromwich Albion. On Boxing Day at Deepdale, the full-back made his way back to the team. However, after two more days of training, his manager might be inclined to start him.
Byram has been absent from Farke’s last four lineups since leaving the team in the 70th minute of the victory over Blackburn Rovers earlier this month. Djed Spence has filled in admirably at left back, although out of position, but adjustments may be coming given the recent setbacks to the Whites and the tight schedule.
“To start with, Sam Byram had his first appearance back with the traveling group today (Boxing Day). He only trained with us yesterday, Christmas Day, and I only spent maybe ten or fifteen minutes with him on the teamsheet.
“After two more training days, he will undoubtedly be totally available for this game as well. That’s positive.
Archie Gray hasn’t played well at right-back this season, but he did struggle against Liam Millar of Preston North End on Boxing Day. Farke at least has an option thanks to Byram’s availability if he decides to replace Spence, who has started four games in a row since returning from a lengthy layoff of his own.
Luke Ayling and Jamie Shackleton, two more full-backs, don’t look set to play at The Hawthorns. They have both persisted in battling injuries to their knees and glutes, respectively.
Luke is now having some knee issues, so it’s unclear if he will be able to make it for Friday, so the rest will be a little challenging, Farke said. It’s also perhaps a little too soon for Jamie Shackleton.
He hadn’t participated in team training yet. We’ll have to wait and watch throughout the course of the following two days. Thus, we shall see. Farke will now be without Stuart Dallas, Shackleton, Ayling, and Illan Meslier (suspended) due to injuries.
