Leeds star highlights key difference between 2023/24 squad and current team
Junior Firpo believes Leeds United’s squad depth is stronger this season, giving Daniel Farke more selection choices for the future.
Leeds United have faced a string of injuries this season but remain in contention for automatic promotion in the Championship.
The recent long-term injuries of Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu caused concern, yet Junior Firpo, in an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post (November 13), provided an update on their recovery.
Firpo stated, “One thing we definitely have this year, which we might not have had last season, is squad depth.
You can see that two crucial players for us—Ampadu and Gruev—got injured, but Joe [Rothwell] and Ao [Tanaka] have stepped up brilliantly. When those two return, I’m not sure what will happen.
It’s up to the manager to decide, but we have a strong team and good options. Whoever plays will be ready.”
Firpo’s comments highlight manager Daniel Farke’s challenges as he navigates various injuries just 15 games into the season.
The injury setbacks began with Dan James, though the Welsh winger has since returned to action.
However, as James recovered, Largie Ramazani was ruled out and is currently on the path to recovery.
While Leeds have managed these injury challenges, the extended absences of Gruev and Ampadu were significant.
To address the void, Farke signed Josuha Guilavogui to provide additional cover in midfield.
It will be interesting to see how Farke reshapes the team when Gruev and Ampadu return and whether they will immediately reclaim starting positions.
Their abilities are unquestioned, yet with the recent strong performances of Tanaka and Rothwell, reintegrating them might be a more complex decision for Farke.
