Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo could be back sooner than expected following his recent injury.
The Lowdown: Eight-week timeframe
The 25-year-old, who is the only senior left-back available to Jesse Marsch, suffered a fresh injury in the club’s opening pre-season friendly against Blackpool.
As a result, the Spaniard didn’t travel to Australia, with the manager taking youngster Leif Davis instead. Firpo was expected to be out for eight weeks, but Jones has made an exciting claim after talking to people inside Elland Road.
The Latest: Jones’ comments
Talking to The Transfer Tavern, Jones was asked about the possibility of a new left-back potentially arriving due to the 25-year-old's injury.
He said that ‘some people in the club’ think Firpo could be back in six weeks instead of eight, which could impact the club’s pursuit of a new full-back.
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Jones stated:
“I think it's going to depend on how long Firpo is actually out for. It's being talked about as eight weeks, but actually, some people in the club feel it could actually be more like six weeks.
“If it's six weeks you might be able to get by, so I think that's what they need to weigh up.”
The Verdict: New left-back needed anyway?
Even if Firpo returns two weeks quicker than expected, it could be wise for Leeds to bring in a new left-back regardless.
They have done that on the opposite flank this summer with Rasmus Kristensen, who will rival the injured Luke Ayling to become first choice right-back in the long run.
Firpo endured a number of injury issues last season, so there’s no guarantee that he’ll constantly remain fit over the next 12 months.
Additionally, with the versatile Stuart Dallas also out for the foreseeable future, it could be wise for Leeds to bring in a new senior left-back over the coming weeks.