NafisaLeeds United could hardly have asked for a better way to finish their preparations for the new Premier League season.
Daniel Farke’s side produced an emphatic display on Saturday, sweeping aside Augsburg 4-0 in their final pre-season fixture and giving supporters plenty of reasons to feel optimistic ahead of the return to top-flight football.
The result capped an encouraging summer for the Whites.
There have been convincing performances, important victories and several new faces arriving at Elland Road, with the club showing clear ambition in their attempt to establish themselves in the Premier League.
But with the celebrations now fading and the opening fixture rapidly approaching, Farke has been handed something of a reality check.
The focus has shifted from what Leeds can do with their strongest possible XI to who might actually be available when the competitive action begins.
And there is already a concern.
Leeds face injury problems before Forest trip:
Leeds’ Premier League opener will take them to the City Ground next weekend, where they will face Nottingham Forest in what promises to be a difficult first assignment.
The Whites are expected to hand competitive debuts to Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford, giving supporters an immediate opportunity to see three of the club’s major summer additions in a competitive environment.
However, Farke is also expected to be without several important members of his squad.
Gabriel Gudmundsson has already been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury during pre-season.
The Sweden international’s absence is particularly frustrating given the lack of natural depth on the left side of Leeds’ defence.
And unfortunately, the problems do not end there.
Wilfried Gnonto is also unlikely to feature:
Wilfried Gnonto is another major doubt for the trip to Nottingham.
The Italian winger suffered a hamstring problem shortly before Leeds’ final pre-season fixture, leaving his availability for the opening weekend in serious doubt.
That could be a significant blow for Farke.
Gnonto remains one of the most dangerous attacking players in the squad when operating at his best, and his pace and ability to beat defenders could have been particularly useful against a Forest side that may be vulnerable in transition.
His absence would leave Leeds with fewer options in the wide areas at precisely the point when Farke wants his side to start the season strongly.
Ilia Gruev remains unavailable:
There is also the longer-running issue surrounding Ilia Gruev.
The Bulgarian midfielder is still recovering from the knee injury he suffered towards the end of last season and did not feature during Leeds’ pre-season preparations.
His absence means Farke has another important squad member unavailable as the campaign gets underway.
Put the three situations together and Leeds could therefore head to the City Ground without Gudmundsson, Gnonto and Gruev.
That is a significant chunk of Farke’s squad missing before the first Premier League ball has even been kicked.
Forest have concerns of their own:
The Whites are not the only side dealing with fitness problems.
Nottingham Forest also have several players whose availability is uncertain ahead of the opening weekend.
Nicolo Savona is expected to miss the fixture because of a knee injury, while Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood are both major doubts.
That could ease some of Leeds’ concerns, particularly if Forest are forced to start the season without key attacking options of their own.
More clarity is expected later in the week when Farke and Forest boss Oliver Glasner address the media during their respective pre-match press conferences.
Leeds still have plenty to be excited about:
Despite the injury concerns, there remains plenty of optimism around Elland Road.
Leeds have strengthened their starting XI during the summer and have already agreed a deal to bring Nico Elvedi in from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Sebastiaan Bornauw is also expected to leave for Hamburg, meaning the defensive reshuffle is continuing behind the scenes.
The club are still hoping to make further additions before the transfer window closes, with at least three more players reportedly wanted after Elvedi’s arrival.
That could become even more important if the injury situation fails to improve quickly.
Farke will not want to begin a long Premier League campaign with his squad already stretched.
Farke knows the importance of a strong start
The German manager has repeatedly attempted to keep expectations under control despite the excitement surrounding Leeds’ recruitment and pre-season performances.
That is understandable.
Leeds are returning to the Premier League and their primary objective must be establishing themselves at this level.
But Farke will still be desperate to start positively.
A victory at the City Ground would immediately give the club momentum and strengthen the belief that this Leeds side can achieve more than simply fighting relegation.
Forest, meanwhile, are also trying to find their feet under Glasner, who has suggested that his team may not yet be at the level he wants them to be.
That could create an intriguing opportunity for Leeds.
But first, Farke needs to work out exactly who he can call upon.
The 4-0 Augsburg victory may have provided the perfect pre-season ending, but the injury list has delivered an unwanted twist — with three important Leeds players now facing a race against time to be ready for the Premier League opener at the City Ground.
Nafisa
