Farke on Gnonto surgery, James' return, and Gray's future
- Published
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Burnley at Turf Moor (15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Farke confirmed Willy Gnonto will not be available for Saturday's game - his calf problems "are sorted" but he has needed "minor hernia surgery" over the international break and will return to training next week and will "perhaps" be available for next Friday's visit of West Ham.
There is "good news" for goalkeeper Lucas Perri who has trained over the last two weeks while Dan James' return is looking "very positive" with the winger "ahead of schedule" but not in contention to start at Turf Moor.
Noah Okafor is "struggling a little bit" with abductor problems but could be in contention for to make the travelling squad and for "some minutes".
Karl Darlow will remain in goal: "I am happy with what Karl has done so far so for that nothing has changed because of international duty. Perri is not a topic for the starting line-up straight away because his last game is seven or eight weeks ago. He is not 100%, he is new in this country. It's good that he's back but not with any of the crucial players. Karl has done so so well. It was never in doubt he would start the game."
Asked about the future of youngster Harry Gray, who is yet to sign a new long-term deal, Farke said: "Normally we just speak about business when business is done. That is one of my principles and I stick with it. Harry is out of team training at the minute. I expect him to be back in training next week. Behind the scenes we are trying to build our squad for the future, do some business and positive negotiations. I expect it's not too far away that we will have some positive news with some players in our squad."
On returning from the international break: "Today was more or less the first time we had all the team together. Several players were able to return to the training pitch. Some just need some individual and recovery sessions. There is a good mood in the squad."
Farke played down suggestions Saturday's game is a "must-win", stating: "Just for both teams an opportunity to win some points. Definitely not a must-win game. It's an away game for a newly promoted side so you are always the underdog. Burnley had a fantastic season last season, they were our two most difficult games. Why should this be must-win for us?"
Listen to Farke's news conference here from BBC Radio Leeds
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