Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has revealed that defender Leo Hjelde suffered a concussion in training this week, that will rule him out of the Friday night clash against West Bromwich Albion.
Farke has been dealing with a lengthy queue for the Thorp Arch treatment table since the season started and he has been forced to add the Norway U21s international to the injury list. Hjelde, who started Leeds’ first two games of the season before dropping out of the starting line-up last weekend at Birmingham City, has entered the concussion protocol, ruling him out against the Baggies.
“We’re training still with a relatively small group,” Farke admitted in his pre-match press conference. “Some bad news was Leo Hjelde because he had a concussion in training yesterday after a drill. Because we have the concussion protocols of the league, he will be out until next Monday, so he’s not available for this game.”
There was better news regarding Sam Greenwood, who has missed the start of the campaign, while two other key players were able to enjoy full weeks of training, in what Farke admitted was a ‘tricky’ time for the club.
“On the other hand some good news,” Farke continued. “Sam Greenwood was back in training and was able to train the whole week. Also Georginio Rutter and Joe Rodon had proper training weeks, so they are also in the mix to be selected for the team. Some good news, but still a bit of a tricky week, but I hope and think and I’m also quite convinced that next week our situation will look much better.
“So it’s a bit tricky for the game on Friday, but we will have a competitive side and we will also fight for the points on Friday.