Byram plays unexpected key role in Leeds United's Norwich City rout despite hip injury

Injury to Sam Byram possibly saved Archie Gray’s place in the Leeds United line-up on what would become one of the teen’s best performances of the season. No pre-match press conference ensured there was no prior news about an issue for Byram going into the second leg.

It transpires Byram was struggling with a hip flexor issue and had to sit out the match entirely alongside Patrick Bamford in the John Charles Stand. However, if Byram had been fit he would have almost certainly retained his place at right-back.

Farke, though, in an effort to force the game before extra time and penalties, was also set on introducing a fourth attacking asset to Sunday’s line-up. That meant Joel Piroe was coming in, but who for?

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Given Gray had been playing as the side’s central attacking midfielder at Carrow Road, Farke seemed to be implying it might have been the teenager who made way for the Dutch striker. While Byram would have wanted to play, the evening could not have turned out much better for Gray at right-back.

“Yes, it was always the plan, after a really good first game, to go a bit more for it in this second game and I had this in my mind,” said Farke. “To leave Sam Byram out was definitely forced because he had an injury with his hip flexor.

“Would I have started him anyway? Probably yes because he is experienced, but I would have definitely taken a fourth offensive-thinking player into the game because we wanted to go for it today and not just wait for a penalty shootout or something like this.

“Although, we were also prepared for that, but we wanted to attack this game and the lads delivered in these terms in a perfect way.”