Daniel Farke suffers overnight Leeds United blow ahead of crucial Sheffield United showdown.
With the international break now done and dusted, all eyes turn to Friday night and the welcome of Sheffield United at Elland Road in what is a huge Championship clash for Leeds United.
The Championship calendar is approaching a quarter of the way through the 2024-25 campaign with Friday’s offering the first of game week 10. Leeds currently sit in a solid fifth place, losing only one game.
That came against Burnley, but they should have more points following the draw last time out against Sunderland. But for Illan Meslier’s howler, Leeds would be sitting fourth behind Scott Parker’s third-placed Burnley outfit.
On Friday, rivals do battle as Leeds welcome Chris Wilder’s Blades, who have made an excellent start to the season. They sit second, remaining unbeaten and conceding just three goals in their nine matches.
Leeds have already suffered a number of injury issues, with Ethan Ampadu out until the New Year and both Ilia Gruev and Max Wober undergoing surgery. Now, Daniel Farke has suffered another blow.
READ MORE: Why Mateo Joseph was missing from Spain U21’s second fixture of the break.
Brenden Aaronson plays 93 minutes for USA against Mexico
The international break always comes as an annoyance for managers. While Leeds duo Manor Solomon and Dan James look as though they could play on Friday, it looks less than likely for Brenden Aaronson.
It already looked doubtful. Mauricio Pochettino’s second game as USA manager took place at 3.30AM on Wednesday, meaning Aaronson was already a doubt for Friday’s clash against Sheffield United.
Typically, Pochettino has given no thought to Leeds’ fixture congestion. Aaronson played the full 93 minutes as USA lost to Mexico in Jalisco. One of only four outfield players to do so for Pochettino’s men.
Aaronson stats as USA star impresses during Pochettino start
It was a Raul Jimenez-inspired win for Mexico, with the Fulham striker scoring once and creating an assist for his country. Cesar Huerta scored in the second half to secure a comfortable 2-0 win for Mexico.
But it was a good break for Aaronson. His participation in the USA team of late has been sketchy, in and out of the starting line-up and if he did start, he would be one of the first to be taken off and subbed.
