Leeds United wildcard waiting in the wings if injury fears are realised vs Coventry
Assumptions about Ethan Ampadu replacing Pascal Struijk in defence on Saturday could be misplaced, with another Leeds United teenager waiting in the wings for a debut. Daniel Farke promoted James Debayo to the senior squad ahead of pre-season and he has been training with the first team ever since.
The 19-year-old has been named in every league squad since the opening day, though he has not yet had the chance to get onto the field. With Struijk a major injury doubt and Max Wober ruled out, Ampadu is the most experience alternative to partner Joe Rodon.
However, Farke volunteered Debayo’s name and underlined how impressive the teenager has continued to be in training. He could be the centre-back partner for Rodon if Struijk does not make it.
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“We would also have other options,” said Farke. “I'm pretty pleased at the moment [with] how James Debayo, for example, develops. It's always a proper solution to play with Joe and Ethan.
“We don't have to speak about how impressive they were last season. We also have other good midfield options.
“It's definitely also a possible scenario, but, at the moment, step by step, I'm still carefully optimistic Pascal, who was also a pretty key player for us in all topics, [will be fit]. In the last five games we have just conceded one goal and in all five games we haven't conceded one goal when our central defenders were behind the ball.
“I'm still carefully optimistic and still hopeful he will be capable of playing, but, of course, I need to be prepared also for some other solutions. It's a pity Max is not available because he's also a quality player, but if they both would miss, Pascal and Max, then we definitely have some solutions and whatever we go for, I would back my players to deliver.”