Leeds United vs Preston: Largie Ramazani Unlikely to Start Due to Fitness Concerns
Leeds United are preparing for a crucial Championship encounter against Preston North End this Saturday, but one player who is unlikely to feature in the starting XI is winger Largie Ramazani.
According to LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross, head coach Daniel Farke is unlikely to consider the Belgian forward ready for the game at Deepdale, primarily due to concerns about his match fitness following a recent injury.
Ramazani joined Leeds United in the summer from French club RC Lens, bringing with him a reputation for pace, skill, and potential.
However, his debut season in English football has been somewhat hampered by injury issues. The 22-year-old was sidelined for a period earlier this campaign, which has left him playing catch-up in terms of fitness and match sharpness.
Farke, who is known for his meticulous approach to player fitness and preparation, is cautious about rushing players back into action, especially after an injury layoff. It appears that the German manager does not believe Ramazani is quite up to speed, despite his recent involvement in training sessions.
Given that the Championship is notoriously demanding in terms of physical intensity, Farke may opt to give the Belgian more time to build up his match fitness before including him in a competitive starting lineup.
While Ramazani’s absence from the starting XI is disappointing for Leeds fans eager to see the young talent in action, Farke has a wealth of attacking options at his disposal.
With the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Wilfried Gnonto, and Georginio Rutter all vying for a place in the team, Leeds have plenty of attacking depth. This gives Farke the flexibility to ease Ramazani back into the fold without rushing his return.
The decision not to start Ramazani also highlights the importance of squad rotation as Leeds continue their push for promotion back to the Premier League.
The Championship season is long and grueling, and with several key fixtures approaching in quick succession, Farke will be keen to ensure his squad remains fresh and fit for the challenges ahead.
Ramazani’s situation underscores the broader theme of careful management of players’ fitness throughout the season. While Leeds supporters are excited about the Belgian’s potential, the club’s priority will be to ensure he is fully fit and ready to contribute when called upon.
In the meantime, fans will have to wait a little longer to see Ramazani make a significant impact on the pitch for Leeds United.