Farke: Leeds could be without three players for Arsenal trip

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Daniel Farke has given an update on Leeds United's injury situation ahead of the visit to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with several names in doubt for the trip to north London.

Harry Wilson picked up a muscle injury in the build-up to Leeds' goalless draw with Crystal Palace just before the international break, which saw him withdraw from the Wales squad. Jean-Matteo Bahoya then suffered an ankle problem while away with the France Under-21s, cutting short his international duty. Joe Rodon, meanwhile, has been nursing a hamstring injury since the end of August, originally handed a return timeline of up to ten weeks that would rule him out until November.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Farke gave the latest on each case. “Rodon is on his way back in his rehab, making good progress. Individual sessions, but a bit until team training,” the Leeds boss said. “James is out with a back injury. Jean-Matteo is back with an ankle strain, first time today with training. He could make Arsenal. We will have to see how Harry Wilson reacts.”

Farke's praise for Arteta

Farke was also asked about Arsenal, who travel into the weekend fixture as reigning Premier League champions and runners-up in last season's Champions League final. He did not hold back on his admiration for Mikel Arteta's work at the club.

“Arsenal deserved the title last season. They were in the Champions League final. Flawless before the Brighton game,” Farke said. “They are likely to be more on it and react to defeat on Saturday. We travel knowing Arsenal are such a good team. We have a chance to show how far we've come over the last months. They were the only team last year where we were nowhere near having a good game. I expect the stadium will be buzzing because of Mikel's contract.”

Asked whether he might follow Arteta in signing a new deal, with the Arsenal manager putting pen to paper on fresh terms at the Emirates this week, Farke said: “I have no news. Just compliments for Paraag Marathe, it's a joy to work with him. Congratulations to Mikel Arteta, what he has done is very impressive. I remember when he took over, they were struggling. The winning mentality he has implemented is very impressive.”

Learning from Brighton defeat

Arsenal's build-up to the Leeds fixture has been shaped by the manner of their defeat to Brighton before the international break, a result that dented Arteta's title defence. Farke offered his own reading of that performance.

“It's important to learn from it. When you analyse, when you park the bus, sometimes Arsenal scores. Brighton tried to press them and had many good scenes,” he said. “We have to bring this to the table. Arsenal still had 60 per cent possession and more xG, but didn't feel Brighton played them out of the park.”

Leeds will be looking to spring a surprise at the Emirates on Saturday, with Farke's squad update as reported by football.london suggesting Bahoya has a chance of involvement while Wilson and Rodon remain doubts.