Leeds United take on Norwich City on Tuesday night despite being down to the bare bones with as many as five key players ruled out through injury, following Saturday’s win against Coventry.
Daniel Farke confirmed in Monday’s press conference that Leeds will be without captain Ethan Ampadu until January, as he looks to overcome a knee injury that is set to keep him sidelined for 10 weeks.
Farke also said that Leeds will be without four others alongside Ampadu. Max Wober requires surgery on his knee injury, while Manor Solomon (back), Dan James (hamstring) and Isaac Schmidt (glutes) are out.
Leeds then, will be down to the bare bones and there may be a few youngsters on the bench when they go to Carrow Road on Tuesday night. The likes of Charlie Crew, Joe Gelhardt and more will be involved.
One player though that is expected to start on Tuesday night is Mateo Joseph, if manager Farke does not think it is time to bring Joel Piroe into the starting line-up when facing his old side at Carrow Road.
Daniel Farke has to remind Mateo Joseph about something
Joseph has starred up top this season. But, having started all seven Championship games, the Spain U21 star has only scored one goal though he has laid on an impressive three assists, two at Hillsborough.
With Piroe scoring his third goal, there is a question mark regarding Joseph’s possible starting spot. But, Farke says he is happy with Joseph’s contribution and says he has to remind Joseph not to get down.
“I’m happy with Mateo and what he is delivering. Obviously as a striker, and I was a striker myself, you’re only happy if you’re scoring game after game. That’s quite normal, but I don’t rate him just by his goals.
“His work rate is excellent, also how he holds up the ball and his link play, how he works the defenders is excellent. I’m happy with his workload and goals will come, he is greedy to score and get opportunities.
“I have to remind him he’s still young and it’s his first season where he’s starting games, it’s not an easy shirt. If he had scored eight or nine goals I would be worried about January. I can only praise Mateo.”
Mateo Joseph’s stats this season that show it’s not all about goals
Yes, Joseph has missed chances and should have scored more than one. Many will point to his chance early on against Burnley where he went clean through on goal, only to miss the target by some distance.
Mateo Joseph’ stats for Leeds this season:
- 9/18 shots on target, five blocked, four off target
- 6/10 attempted tackles
- 5/12 dribbles successful
- 18 unsuccessful touches, 12 times dispossessed
- 5/25 aerials won
- Six key passes
- One goal, three assists
While his work in the air needs improvement, Joseph did do well on the weekend aerially as he won three of five duels. Also, dribbling could maybe be improved upon though it is difficult when leading the line.
What is impressive is Joseph’s ability to come away from the two central defenders he is facing and get involved with transition and build-up play. Joseph has that vision and creativity to bring others into play.
With Farke happy with his performances, Leeds winning matches and Piroe starting to be seen as Leeds’ super sub, there seems to be little need for change when Farke takes Leeds to his old stomping ground.
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