Speculation that Ethan Ampadu might step in for the potentially sidelined Pascal Struijk in Leeds' defence against Coventry may be off the mark, as another young talent from the club is poised for his first appearance.
Daniel Farke has been preparing James Debayo for the senior team since pre-season, with the 19-year-old consistently training with the main squad.
Debayo has been a fixture in every league matchday squad since the season kicked off, yet he's still waiting to make his on-pitch debut. With Struijk's participation uncertain and Max Wober out of contention, Ampadu stands as the most seasoned option to join Joe Rodon at the back.
Nonetheless, Farke himself brought up Debayo's name, highlighting the youngster's impressive form in training sessions. Should Struijk be unavailable, Debayo might just be Rodon's defensive partner.
"We would also have other options," Farke remarked. "I'm pretty pleased at the moment [with] how James Debayo, for example, develops. It's always a proper solution to play with Joe and Ethan.
"We don't have to speak about how impressive they were last season. We also have other good midfield options.
"It's definitely also a possible scenario, but, at the moment, step by step, I'm still carefully optimistic Pascal, who was also a pretty key player for us in all topics, [will be fit]. In the last five games we have just conceded one goal and in all five games we haven't conceded one goal when our central defenders were behind the ball.
"I'm still carefully optimistic and still hopeful he will be capable of playing, but, of course, I need to be prepared also for some other solutions. It's a pity Max is not available because he's also a quality player, but if they both would miss, Pascal and Max, then we definitely have some solutions and whatever we go for, I would back my players to deliver."
