Good Morning. It's Wednesday 6th November, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Farke cautiously optimistic about Ampadu return
Leeds Manager Daniel Farke has expressed cautious optimism that Ethan Ampadu is on course to return to action earlier than anticipated. The Welsh International midfielder suffered knee ligament damage during the 3-0 win against Coventry at the end of September. After consulting specialists, the club decided towards 'Conservative treatment' to which the Leeds skipper has been responding well to.
During his Millwall pre-press conference, Daniel Farke revealed that Ampadu has already returned to light duties, including some running. Given his importance, the Thorp Arch medical team will not risk bringing him back to first team action until he is fit and ready. The last thing they need is a relapse, and to miss the entire campaign. According to Farke...
He's working hard, already doing some running. It will be a while before he can join us in team training, he's even a bit ahead of schedule. I'm carefully optimistic he can return to team training a bit earlier. We will see. Normally it would be realistic to be back in training in the middle of December and then available in the beginning of January.
It would be nice if he can help us already a bit earlier and sooner because he's our captain and a versatile player. We would love to have him back but we won't rush it. It was a serious injury. He's a bit ahead but let's see how it develops. It's always difficult to say, you have to extend the load from day to day and there could be a day when you have to be a bit careful and take a step back.
It's pretty rare that I've ever experienced a straightforward rehab. So far each day it was better and it looks really good but it's too soon to judge when he can help us again.
Aaronson is the Championships most dispossessed player
Since returning from his Germany hiatus, USA International Brenden Aaronson has worked hard to regain the trust of both his Leeds team-mates and the Elland Road faithful. Upon relegation 18 months ago, he jumped ship, only to endure a miserable season in the Bundesliga with Union Berlin. Unfinished business and promises of a fresh slate bought the 24yo back to Blighty in the Summer, and has been a big part of Daniel Farke's plans ever since.
Despite four goals, an assist, and a very healthy 7.02 'Whoscored' rating (6th), his upper body strength continuous to be a cause for concern despite bulking up a little. New date shows that over his 1029 minutes of game time, Aaronson has been knocked off the ball or tackled 38 times already, more than any other Championship player this season; prompting speculation that he may be rested for tonight's physical battle at the Den!
