Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is preparing for a tough challenge without Junior Firpo for their upcoming match against Watford on Good Friday. The Dominican Republic international recently made his debut for his national team, finally getting the chance to represent his birth country after expressing his desire to do so last year.
Injuries have plagued Firpo during his time at Elland Road, making it difficult for him to accept previous international call-ups in order to focus on his fitness with Leeds. However, a string of good performances in 2024 earned him his first call-up this month. Unfortunately, the scheduling of the Dominican Republic’s game against Peru means Firpo may miss the Watford match due to a long journey back to the UK from South America.
Farke is hoping for a smooth return for Firpo and the other internationals in time for the game, but acknowledges the challenges of the quick turnaround. With the full-back likely to only arrive back on Friday, it seems unlikely he will be fit to start. Sam Byram is expected to fill in at left-back in his absence.
The journey back from Peru will be lengthy and exhausting, with time zone changes and high altitude playing a factor in Firpo’s recovery. Despite his impressive performances earlier in the year, it seems Firpo may have to settle for a place on the bench for this crucial fixture.
