Leeds United have just one more day of international fixtures to get through before preparations can really start for Saturday’s clash with Burnley.
Several members of Daniel Farke’s squad have been jetting off all across the world over the last week or so, with a number of them in action last night, and more today.
Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow and Joe Rodon all played 90 minutes in Wales’ 2-1 win away at Montenegro, in what was just Craig Bellamy’s second match in charge.
Manor Solomon and Max Wober were also in action for Israel and Austria respectively, though the latter was an unused sib as he continues his recovery from a calf issue.
Mateo Joseph, Wilfried Gnonto, Ao Tanaka, Junior Firpo and Brenden Aaronson complete Leeds’ international involvement over the course of today, and in the latter’s case, the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Why Leeds will be frustrated at Israel’s Manor Solomon use
Injuries to Gnonto, Ilia Gruev and Connor Roberts during the March international break were what effectively derailed Leeds‘ promotion push last season.
With that in mind, Farke will have been watching all of his players over the last few days from behind the sofa in the hope they do not return with any issues.
The Leeds boss will have also expected them to have been managed sensibly, but unfortunately in the case of Solomon with Israel, he wasn’t.
Solomon’s Leeds debut against Hull City 10 days ago was his first competitive start in almost exactly a year, having spent almost the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign injured.
As such, his match sharpness will not be anywhere near tip-top condition and so the fact Israel decided to start him in both matches was wreckless.
With only two days between the matches with Belgium and Italy, there also was not a great deal of recovery time for the ‘excellent‘ Leeds loanee.
It is perhaps not a surprise he was used in this way, given Solomon is the poster boy and best player for Israel.
However, if they want him to continue playing regularly for his country, they should have recognised he needs managing. Hopefully he is fully fit for Saturday’s match.
What Dan James said about new Leeds signing Solomon recently
Solomon’s issues with his fitness are well known by everyone at Leeds, though the they felt the opportunity to sign him was too good to turn down.
On the evidence of his impressive debut against the Tigers, that is completely understandable. He will need to be managed, though.
Speaking recently on what Solomon will bring to Leeds, his former Fulham teammate Dan James says the only thing that could stop him from having a great season is injuries.
He said: I know Manor well, brilliant player, one that I’m sure the fans will be very excited by. He’s been very unlucky with injuries. I hope he can stay fit now.”
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