Sam Byram’s expected absence from the field gave Leeds United yet another defensive injury blow, but Daniel Farke may be able to use it to his tactical advantage.
The former Norwich City defender is anticipated to miss the next three weeks, according to the Athletic reporter, who revealed this on August 29 via his personal Twitter account.
With an adductor injury, Byram was forced off in the 24th minute of Leeds’ 4-3 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road. He will be out for the next two to three weeks, missing the match against Millwall on September 16 in particular.
The 29-year-old joined Elland Road this summer on a one-year free agency contract with the intention of covering both full-back positions, but his injury leaves the Whites without many choices.
Byram was unable to participate in the 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday because Farke was obliged to start midfielder Jamie Shackleton at left back, a surprising tactical move that ultimately failed as Leeds United struggled to cause any problems for the faltering Wednesday team.
The former Norwich City player has performed admirably since joining Elland Road on a temporary basis. He has offered a fresh and reliable defensive alternative, and his versatility will be missed while he is out injured.
However, the Whites already have a very suitable replacement in the meantime and a player Farke must consider to start against Millwall and that man is Djed Spence.
As the club’s sixth summer signing, the fullback joined the Whites on a season-long loan on August 30 in a last-minute move during the closing days of the transfer window, according to the official Leeds website.
Spence is unquestionably a high talent who can undoubtedly aid Leeds in their quest to join the Premier League at the first attempt after doing so with Nottingham Forest the season prior.
And while Spence is considered a specialist right-back, he can also be a very dependable left-back for Leeds United and the youngster certainly holds all the attributes and qualities necessary to thrive in the role and help the Whites to a much-needed victory in South London.
Many of the elite sides on the continent are all deploying right-footed full-backs on the left flank so they can invert in possession while providing numerical advantage and Spence is a fantastic bet for the role.
The 2021/22 season appeared to be Spence’s breakthrough year at Nottingham Forest as he recorded two goals and four assists from 42 Championship appearances while also creating six significant chances, 1.0 key pass per game, aiding Forest to 15 clean sheets, and excelling greatly in his defensive actions, distinguishing him as one of the most complete full-backs in the nation SofaScore.
The English-born defender was looking for a fresh start elsewhere and has undoubtedly found it at Elland Road, where he will fit in perfectly under a forward-thinking manager in Daniel Farke.
As Farke’s team drew a blank against the Owls (Fotmob), Spence looked sharp when he came off the bench to make his debut in the draw against Sheffield Wednesday. Spence won two fouls in the nine minutes he was on the field, prevented two certain goals with impressive tackles, completed 100% of his nine attempted passes, and managed four ball recoveries.
He will put his confidence in himself to earn a spot in the team, which might come at The Den against Millwall in a foreign role, but which could turn out to be a tactical surprise success for Farke.
