The international break last month caused significant disruption in the Leeds United camp, leaving Daniel Farke without three key players until just 48 hours before a crucial match against Sheffield United. Ao Tanaka, Junior Firpo, and Brenden Aaronson all returned late from their international duties, with Tanaka in Japan, Firpo in the Caribbean, and Aaronson in Mexico, causing a rush to get them ready for the match.
This time, however, the situation is much more favorable. Though the trio, along with seven other players, are again away on international duty, earlier match schedules and a later return to Championship action should ease Farke’s concerns. Firpo, for example, will wrap up his second game in the Dominican Republic at 1am UK time on November 20, giving him several days to recover before the Swansea City match, even though he will be suspended. Meanwhile, Joe Rodon and Daniel James will finish their international commitments in Cardiff on November 19, providing them with five days of recovery ahead of the Swansea clash.
Tanaka will conclude his international duty in China at 2pm UK time on November 19. Despite a long flight back, he will have plenty of time to prepare for the match. Aaronson’s return, after playing in St. Louis, will be at 3am UK time on November 19, but with a long enough recovery window, he too will be ready for the trip to Wales.
