EFL Cup: Daniel Farke gives fitness update ahead of Forest clash | OneFootball

There is a feeling of déjà vu as Leeds United prepare for Tuesday’s EFL Cup tie away at Nottingham Forest, just three days after the Premier League opener against the same opposition at the City Ground.

With a quick turnaround, Whites manager Daniel Farke expects the two sides to make alterations to the squads, as he spoke to the media at Thorp Arch.

“There will be some changes in the starting lineups for both teams,” he explained. “In the cup competition, perhaps even a bit more than it would be in a normal league game.

“But I also don’t expect that it would be a completely different side. So, for that, it is about finding a good balance. As far as I am aware, no new injuries.

“Nowadays our doctors and physio and sports science, they do lots of tests and recovery tests, so no one has told me that one player who was involved on Saturday is not available for tomorrow.

“So for that, I expect more or less to have the same players available like it was also for the last game. If someone is struggling a bit with recovering quick enough in order to start perhaps the game again or for many minutes, we will see, but so far it seems like no new injuries.”

The boss also gave an encouraging update on midfielder Ilia Gruev, who has endured a lengthy spell on the touchline after picking up an injury last term.

“Ilia was partly integrated in the last week,” Farke added. “He was then fully back in team training which is definitely, definitely good news. This game comes a bit too soon for him.

“We want him to be at least two weeks back in team training before he is then also ready for selection. It seems to be good so no reaction with his knee.

“He looks good on the training pitch and each and every training day will help. This game definitely comes a bit too soon after being out for such a long time but he is back in team training, which is good.”

Discussing new arrival Nico Elvedi’s possible involvement, the manager explained: “Nico is available, eligible to play and also in good rhythm. He has played more or less near all the pre-season games for Gladbach.

“He is also in a very good, very good shape, was quite impressive for first days in training and for that, yes, he has also a chance perhaps to get some minutes or to make his debut tomorrow.

“We take some late decisions like always when you have such a quick turnaround but definitely a possibility, yes.”