BREAKING NEWS :Daniel Farke says Leeds United duo are ‘ready to go’ ahead of Sunderland clash

Leeds United are on their toes as a string of injuries in recent weeks have seen their injury list swell to a long list with seven players currently unavailable.

   Ethan Ampadu was out until the New Year, which is the biggest blow.    The Leeds captain picked up a knee injury and is out for 10 weeks but will have to train with the squad before Farke can use him again.

   Ilia Gruev picked up a knock at Norwich on Tuesday night.    Farke said he was waiting for Gruev’s scan before knowing whether he could pick the Bulgaria star in his squad to face Sunderland away on Friday night.

   Manor Solomon, Dan James and Isaac Schmidt are injured, while Max Wober has undergone surgery on a knee injury he suffered in Austria.    Diogo Monteiro had shoulder surgery.

   But injuries to some players opened up opportunities for others.    On Tuesday night, Joe Rothwell made his first major contribution to Leeds’ promotion push and Joe Gelhardt also featured for Leeds.

   Daniel Farke comments on French players Rothwell and Gelhardt

   Rothwell actually played 70 minutes after replacing Gruev.    The on-loan Rothwell even hinted at his frustration at the lack of playing time on Instagram, but is now a key player until the international break in October due to injury.

   He is certain to start on Friday, although Gruev could be named in the squad, with Gelhardt coming off the bench at Carrow Road.    Farke was asked about the pair at a press conference ahead of Sunderland on Wednesday.

   “I trust my whole team. Joe Rothwell and Joe Gelhardt, it’s important to trust the players and support those players. We’re in a competitive environment where everyone’s sharp and ready to go,” Farke said.

   Joe Gelhardt will only play for Leeds if he changes his natural role

   At the top, Leeds are well stocked.    Despite all the injuries, Leeds have plenty of attacking options in the form of Mateo Joseph, Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe.    Gelhardt is the fourth choice for the sole striker role.

   Luca Thomas even shone for Leeds under-21s, scoring a goal in the National League Cup on Tuesday night.    If Gelhardt wants to get some time, he needs to work on playing as a winger or even at 10.

   On Tuesday night, Gelhardt started as a winger for Leeds – his biggest commitment – and was lined up against Borja Sainz.    If Gelhardt is to have any chance of continuing his career at Leeds, he needs to start playing out wide.