Leeds United travel to the capital this weekend to face Queens Park Rangers in their next Sky Bet Championship clash.
The Whites go into the tie having beaten London opposition during the week, as an own-goal and superb strike from Ao Tanaka brought a 2-0 victory over Millwall at Elland Road.
Ahead of the meeting with Martí Cifuentes’ side on Saturday lunchtime, manager Daniel Farke addressed the media at Thorp Arch, beginning by giving an update on squad availability.
“What I can say is there is no injury concerns and more or less each and every player involved [against Millwall] seems to be available at least for the squad also for this game,” the boss explained.
“We had a few problems with Isaac Schmidt for the last game. He felt unwell. That was the reason he was not involved in the squad. He was also back in training today. It could be also a topic for the squad as well.
“So, as it stands, I hope that I have more or less the whole group who was available, plus Isaac Schmidt, to pick from for the travelling squad.”
When asked about the challenges his side face in the capital, Farke believes the Hoops will be a stern test, owed in part due to their impressive form at Loftus Road.
“We know it is a difficult, difficult task and I know it is a good side, especially their home record,” Farke added.
“They lost, obviously, a bit unlucky their last home game was one goal, but before that they had really good results.
“Their second-last home game was a 4-0 win, for example, as well. So we know that, especially at home, QPR is a really, really dangerous side and we have to be ready and at the top of our game to give ourselves a chance.”
The Whites’ manager also provided an update on club captain Ethan Ampadu, who continues to make his way back from a long-term injury.
“Rehab looks good. At the moment, he is progressing. He is doing some work with our rehab coach on the pitch, also in football boots, not just running stuff but also starts a little bit with the ball.
“We have hope that on the other side of the international break that he will join us in team training and then we will see how long he needs to be match fit.
“Of course, it would be a major boost if you would have our captain back, we spoke about the topic on the midfielder positions, but of course he is also an option in the centre-back positions and in general a pretty, pretty important player for us also in terms of leadership.
“It is always good when you have Ethan available, even as a player in the dressing room at the moment. He is quite often there and also motivates the lads and he travels with us even to the away games to give some support and I like it a lot.”
