The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 29th November) Leeds await Byram scan results
Good Morning. It's Friday 29th November, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds await Byram scan results
Leeds Utd face an anxious wait as to whether Sam Byram will be fit for the trip to Blackburn on Saturday lunchtime. The 31 year old utility player hobbled off on the hour mark during the 3-0 thrashing over Luton Town on Wednesday evening, after playing a starring role, including opening the scoring on ten minutes. His versatility and experience make him a valuable part of Farke's squad, even if he isn't an automatic starter.
Two games in four days may be challenging for the fittest of players, but given Byram's injury record, we shouldn't be surprised. Fortunately for the Whites, regular full-back Junior Firpo is once again available for selection after his three game ban, as is fit again Max Wober. Byram underwent scans on his ankle yesterday, and faces a spell on the side-lines if anything is picked up!
Sam has had a scan and we are still waiting for the results. We will make a late decision tomorrow to see if he will be available for us. We have to take a decision. I would prefer to have him, especially after the last game where he was excellent and not just for his goal. His experience and strengthen on set pieces, he is an important player for us and with his experience in the dressing room, so I hope he is available for us.
Meslier should have stayed on his post
YEP reporter Graham Smyth has criticised Whites keeper Illan Meslier for taking an 'aggressive approach', almost leading to a Luton equaliser on Wednesday evening. The French shot-stopper rushed off his line to try and thwart Victor Moses, only to be chipped. Fortunately for Leeds, the goal-bound effort was hooked off the line by Pascal Struijk, sparing Meslier's blushes. Smyth believes Meslier should have stayed at his post given a difficult angle to shoot from, and Leeds players arriving back in numbers.
“Luton did have two chances. Meslier, I didn’t like the kind of aggressive approach to that,” “You stay on your post. I don’t think Victor Moses beats you from there, and you’ve got players coming back. Well, he comes out, gets dinked, and Struijk, an incredible clearance.
Eleven clubs chasing Joffy
Scottish giants Rangers are lining up a loan to buy deal for Leeds forgotten man Joe Gelhardt according to multiple sources in the press. Philippe Clement is desperate top bolster his attacking options following a poor start to the season. The blue side of Glasgow have netted just 17 times in 12 league games with Cyriel Dessers out of form and Danilo spending more time with the physio than playing.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, 11 clubs have expressed an interest in taking Joffy on loan in January, and given the nine minutes of league game-time he's been affording this season, no-one could blame him for wanting to go.
Messrs Crew, Debayo and Gelhardt have less than 15 minutes of league game time between them this season despite major injuries to key players. Why the trio (and perhaps Chambers) haven't been allowed to temporarily apply their trade in the lower leagues, where they can be playing week in - week out is a mystery!