Daniel Farke reveals Leeds United injury boost ahead of Sunderland visit and drops big selection hint

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has said that he expects defender Joe Rodon to be available to face Sunderland on Tuesday evening.

The centre back was substituted in the latter stages of the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday evening with a suspected hamstring issue, but subsequent scans have shown there is no damage. It’s a major boost for the hosts ahead of the game, though Farke did also confirm that Noah Okafor will remain absent with injury.

“Joe Rodon had some problems with his hamstring,” Farke said.

“Unclear if it was cramp or a light injury. We have scanned and assessed, he seems to be okay so I expect him to be available for tomorrow. The only little question mark after the last game was James Justin because it was a straight leg against him and he needed to be stitched up. He’s also a tough boy so hope he’s available. As it stands, I just expect Noah Okafor to be out for this game.”

Farke also suggested he is unlikely to rotate his squad significantly despite the busy schedule.

“I consider this anyway, always when we have a quick turnaround,” Farke said.

“In this turnaround I’m not too concerned about the load and the ability to recover. I’m always a bit more careful when we have an evening kick-off and travel. For us we have three proper nights between games, no travel and we have more than 72 hours. If you’re not capable of recovering after 72 hours then you shouldn’t play professional football. But I can always freshen up because of form, little illness, opposition but not one player who isn’t ready to go because he’s tired.”

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Daniel Farke on his red card against Manchester City

It is not yet clear whether Farke will be on the touchline for Sunderland’s visit, having been sent off after the final whistle against Manchester City. The Leeds United boss says he feels he was unfairly dealt with, however.

“There was this Premier League statement, they said for entering the pitch,” Farke said.

“For 20 years after the final whistle I go on the pitch and shake hands with the referee. Everyone else does it. I know there’s this rule not to speak with the referee for maybe 30 minutes but everyone goes to ask a question or shake hands.

“The problem is after five minutes I have to speak with my players and need to give them answers, then after 10 minutes I go to the broadcasters and no one protects me. Then once I return after an hour the referee is gone. I think it’s normal you share a few moments after full-time, to shake hands. I’ve never experienced that as soon as I arrive he’s there with the red card. I think it was probably because I was jogging on the pitch.

“If you ask me, I don’t think this red card can stand. If I'd have used bad language I’d deserve the red card and would hold my hands up. But I think there is a clear and obvious mistake, so for me it’s never a red card but it’s not up to me. No bad feelings from my side, Peter is a top referee, but should then be with a fair outcome.”

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