Leeds United boss Daniel Farke gave a quite thorough injury update ahead of his side’s trip to Preston on Saturday.

Leeds United head to Preston North End on Saturday afternoon, for what is a real banana skin of a game for Daniel Farke’s in form side.

The Lilywhites return to Deepdale after a strong 2-0 win at Cardiff City in midweek. Leeds meanwhile head to Lancashire on the back of an empathic 3-1 win over Middlesbrough in the week.

Speaking to the press on Friday afternoon, Farke shared the Leeds United injury latest ahead of Preston, revealing that the likes of Max Wober, Sam Byram, and Jayden Bogle all face late fitness checks.

It could spell changes to the XI that thumped Middlesbrough on Tuesday night. There’ll also be speculation as to whether or not skipper Ethan Ampadu starts the game, or even features off the bench.

The 24-year-old made his long-awaited return to action against Boro last time out. He came off the bench with a few minutes left to play, making his first league appearance since September.

Daniel Farke’s message to Ethan Ampadu after making Leeds United return

Farke also gave an update on Ampadu during his Friday presser. The German suggested that Ampadu needs to regain match sharpness before he’s realistically in contention to start.

Farke said: “He is my most important player but that does not mean he can play every minute just yet.

“You can’t expect after just one week of team training that he starts where he was before his injury. He needs time, you have to shake off the rust – but he’s in contention.”

The Welsh international joined Leeds United ahead of the 2023/24 season and went on to feature in all 49 of Leeds’ Championship and play-off games, having now featured eight times in the Championship this season.

Leeds United get through Ethan Ampadu ‘nightmare’ with flying colours

Initially, reports said Ampadu would be injured until January at Leeds United. So to make his return in mid-December is very positive for all involved.

Ampadu’s injury was certainly a devastating one for player and club. At the time, Leeds United even considered signing a free agent to replace the influential former Chelsea man.

But Leeds have gotten through the challenge with flying colours, looking as strong as ever, and that’s with Ampadu yet to return to the starting XI too.

Speaking at in October, pundit Ally McCoist explained how Ampadu’s injury was a ‘nightmare’ for Leeds United, saying: “Nightmare, we’re seeing so many injuries now and the knee ligaments are the ones, ankle ligaments are the worst as you know.”

Expect Ampadu to be on the bench for Saturday’s game against Preston, which kicks off at 12:30pm. For information on how to watch, click here.

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