SALFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Daniel Farke the head coach / manager of Leeds United during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Salford City and Leeds United at Peninsula Stadium on August 29, 2023 in Salford, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Daniel Farke reveals’sad news’ about Djed Spence’s injury as a result of the surgery verdict on the Leeds United loanee from Tottenham.
Djed Spence will be out for “several weeks” due to injury, but the Leeds United loanee will not require surgery, according to Daniel Farke.
According to Leeds Live’s Beren Cross, the Whites manager remarked following the 3-0 win at Millwall on September 17 that it was “sad news” that the on-loan Tottenham right-back had “done his lateral ligament” and would be out for an extended period.
Spence was set to make his debut at The Den on Sunday until Farke indicated in his pre-match news conference (15 September) that he was a “major doubt” due to an issue he picked up in training.
It now appears that he will not be seen in a Leeds United shirt for some time, leaving Luke Ayling to continue in the starting lineup.
Blow
The fact that Spence will not require surgery is a slight consolation, but it is still a big setback for the Englishman and his management after he joined from Spurs just before the transfer window closed.
Ayling will have to stay healthy and in form after allowing Cody Drameh to leave on loan to Birmingham City, a move that could leave the squad short next summer, and with Sam Byram needed over on the left.
Jamie Shackleton is undoubtedly capable of filling in as well, but after paying a loan fee to bring Spence in based on his stand-out performances for Nottingham Forest two seasons ago, it is disappointing that he will miss a number of games
Spence impressed in his brief appearance off the bench against Sheffield Wednesday prior to the international break, and he would have been in line for more action sooner rather than later.
But it is certainly going to be later, since one of the most recent arrivals is still nursing an injury at Elland Road.
The Millwall triumph was a big statement of purpose after a turbulent summer, but the Spence news may dampen Farke’s celebrations slightly.
