Daniel Farke has admitted that it has been frustrating to be without Djed Spence since the start of the season, remarking that Leeds need the on-loan Tottenham man back with matches coming thick and fast over the next couple of months.
Unlike Joe Rodon, who has established himself as a regular in the Leeds backline since his switch to Elland Road, Spence has only made one substitute appearance for the Championship club so far this season.
The right-back would have been hoping to rediscover the kind of impressive form he showed for Nottingham Forest during the 2021-22 season but a knee injury has curtailed his progress.
Spence will be keen to make an impression on his return as he attempts to get his career back on track after a disappointing 18 months, and according to some reports, the 23-year-old is expected to be back in action in two weeks (Football Fancast).
Farke has now said that while it has been frustrating to be without the right-back, he praised the on-loan Spurs man’s attitude and backed him to make an impact on his return.
The Leeds boss said (via Football.London): “Yes, of course, because when you want to bring him in you don’t expect and hope that he’s injured and out for such a long time. He had a difficult pre-season and was then not involved in the first games.
“We always thought that it would last two, three, four weeks until he’s back in his rhythm, but after just two or two and a half weeks of team training, he got such an injury and was out for eight weeks. It’s always a bit annoying but it’s a long season and you have sometimes injuries and unlucky situations.
“You would always wish that each and every player is available and sharp but if you’re an experienced coach, you know that sometimes you can’t choose. He gets all our backing and all our support to bring as quickly and as soon as possible back to his best performance level.
“We need him right now as well because it was not just eight weeks he was missing, also difficult pre-season, he has to work even more disciplined and more professional than any other player to be back at his best level but I get a good feeling with him.
“He’s a good guy and he sometimes needs a push in order to be on it because he has so much potential but we don’t have to speak about his ability and potential. He’s got a good heart and hopefully, we can bring the best out of him although he had this little setback with his injury.”
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Spence will be desperate to show people what he can do after a difficult 2022-23 season. Even if he does not win over Postecoglou and his coaching staff, the right-back would want to perform well so that he can attract some Premier League suitors next summer.
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