Daniel Farke faces the media on Thursday afternoon for his pre-match press conference. The Leeds United manager will take questions from television, radio, print and online journalists at Thorp Arch ahead of the Plymouth Argyle clash on Saturday.
Here is a run-down of some of the main topics on the agenda for the boss to address at the training ground today.
Joe Gelhardt, Jamie Shackleton and Djed Spence were all recovering from injuries when we last heard from Farke. The young striker fractured a hand last week and the manager had suggested surgery may be needed to help Gelhardt’s recovery.
Farke could be asked for the latest on that as well as his two right-back options. Spence had initially been booked in as a possible returner for the Plymouth game when his injury prognosis was first recorded, but that may be a stretch based on recent updates.
Junior Firpo was a surprise inclusion in the matchday squad at Leicester City last week following the injury to Shackleton. The Spaniard is yet to make an appearance in any fixture under Farke, but he has had some time to see the left-back in training now.
Farke could be asked for his early impressions of Firpo based on what he has seen at Thorp Arch, his strengths and how he may be deployed down that flank.
Stuart Dallas has been diligently putting training sessions together at the training ground, but there’s yet to be a sniff of him in a matchday travelling party, let alone a squad. Farke could be pushed for a small update on the progress the Northern Ireland international is making.
Plymouth are 19th in the table, only four teams have conceded more goals, only two teams have picked up fewer points on the road and they are yet to win in seven away attempts. Leeds are third, only one team has conceded fewer goals and they are the only Championship side still unbeaten at home.
Farke may be asked how he guards against complacency in a fixture like Saturday’s.
It has been six days since that remarkable win at Leicester. Farke has had time to give players a few days off before refocusing on this weekend. The manager may be asked for some colour on the mood at Thorp Arch after such a win in the East Midlands.
