Ramazani’s Return Provides Boost for Leeds

Largie Ramazani is poised for a potential return to action for Leeds in their upcoming match against Swansea on Sunday, following an absence of over a month. The 23-year-old midfielder has been sidelined for the last four Whites fixtures since sustaining an ankle injury on 22 October during the home victory over Watford, a game in which he had previously given his team an early advantage. With Leeds facing a demanding schedule of three matches in under six days – including Swansea this weekend, a home game against Luton on Wednesday, and a Saturday lunchtime fixture at Blackburn – manager Daniel Farke indicated that the Belgian player might be needed among the substitutes. Farke stated to BBC Radio Leeds, “We have to keep in mind he was out for weeks, but he’s definitely an option to perhaps come in from the bench.” During Ramazani’s absence, United have managed to score only five goals in four games, securing seven points and missing an opportunity to claim the top spot in the league standings. In contrast, in the six matches he started prior to his injury, they had netted a dozen goals and accumulated 14 points, with Ramazani personally scoring in three of those games and providing an assist in another. Farke disclosed that Ramazani had participated in parts of training this week as players rejoined the squad following international duty. Farke further explained, “The three games in six days will come a bit too soon for him to be available for the starting line-up but he could be a (possibility) for the squad and some short term appearances.” He added, “Potentially for Sunday, we will decide it after the last training session on Saturday, but definitely as an option to perhaps come in from the bench.” In other team news, Brenden Aaronson has recovered from an illness contracted during the international break with the USA, and Max Wober is expected to be available after playing a full 90 minutes for Austria. However, Isaac Schmidt underwent hernia surgery during the break and is not anticipated to rejoin training until the following week. Regarding their opponent, Swansea, Farke expressed admiration and caution, noting that while they are the Championship’s lowest scorers with just 11 goals from 15 games, they have a strong defensive record, conceding only three goals in seven home matches. He remarked, “I’m pretty respectful,” adding, “All the teams were struggling to score against them. They are a good possession side, second highest in the league behind us.” Farke continued, “It’s not easy to get the ball. This is one of the key reasons it’s hard to score against them. We want to make sure we dominate possession.“We know we have to be more efficient with our conversion rate. We know we have to be on it and make sure we create as many chances as possible.”