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Marsch excited for Junior Firpo returning to Leeds side after injury
Jesse Marsch has shared that he has told Junior Firpo to be ready because he will be needed as Leeds United continue to fight to stay in the Premier League – .
Firpo has not featured for the Whites since their second game under Marsch. Of course, that proved to be a pretty demoralising evening as they were thrashed by Aston Villa.
He has been out with injury. But he handed the side a boost ahead of Leeds’ trip to Crystal Palace on Monday. The 25-year-old was named on the bench at Selhurst Park.
With Stuart Dallas not exactly looking comfortable in the left-back position in the goalless draw, some may wonder whether Firpo’s return could make a real difference.
Marsch has confirmed that he plans to use Firpo in the weeks ahead. He did however, suggest that Saturday’s clash with Manchester City may come too soon for the former Barcelona defender.
“We’ve worked with Junior a lot in the last few days and we’re hopeful that we can get him fitter and fitter and closer and closer to helping the group. I think that he can help the group,” he said, .
“The best thing that he can provide is ease with the ball from the left-back position, which can help us have some more solutions and try and control the game a little bit more. Whether this is the match to see if he’s fully ready, we’ll just have to evaluate that over the next couple of days but he’s looked good in training and I’ve told him to be ready because we’ll need him for sure.”
Junior Firpo has big point to prove as Leeds return looms
It has been a really difficult first season for Firpo. He has come in for a lot of criticism. And he has struggled to fill the void left by Gjanni Alioski.
There have been glimpses of his quality during his time at Elland Road. He has produced some big performances. But he has also made a number of mistakes.
That display against Villa included a terrible error that allowed the visitors to score the crucial second goal that killed any momentum Leeds were building.
As Marsch notes, it would be a huge ask to expect Firpo to come back in against City. But it is encouraging that the American is optimistic that he can make an impact.
If everything clicks for Firpo in the weeks ahead, his return could actually be massive for Leeds.