Daniel Farke discloses a new Leeds United injury concern as the disappointment of Jamie Shackleton emerges.
Jamie Shackleton was dropped to the bench against Millwall at the weekend, according to Leeds United boss Daniel Farke, due to an injury.
Shackleton was picked as a substitute at The Den but did not play as Leeds won 3-0 on Sunday [17 September].
Farke did not want the versatile midfielder to aggravate a shoulder problem, therefore he decided to rest him.
Farke addressed reporters at a pre-match news conference on Tuesday [19 September] ahead of the match against Hull City: “We wanted Jamie fresh and available for upcoming fixtures.”
“We also didn’t want to jeopardize his shoulder.”
“It’s part of what I do.” It’s the most difficult aspect of managing a football team. Everyone wants to be on the team, therefore you have to disappoint them.”
Squad size
Given the rapid turnaround in games between the triumph at Millwall and the travel to Hull City three days later, it’s unclear whether Shackleton will play in midweek.
The fact that he was named to the team in South London shows that he would have been utilised had he been needed against Leeds’ bitter rivals.
Shackleton has impressed for Leeds in the opening stages of the campaign in various different positions, leading to suggestions that he may even be offered a new contract at Elland Road [Yorkshire Evening Post].
Squad depth will be huge for Farke this season if Leeds are to seriously challenge for promotion, and having a fit-again Shackleton available to come into the side against Hull will be a major boost.
But given the likes of Junior Firpo and Djed Spence are already on the sidelines, Farke does not need to needlessly risk the fitness of Shackleton unless he is 100% ready to play a part.
