Sport nationBBC pundit Jon Newsome has slammed the EFL’s scheduling of Leeds United matches this week, calling it “disgusting” that the team has only three days to recover between games.
Leeds United returned to action after a nine-day break with a 4-3 win at Middlesbrough on Monday night. However, they now face a quick turnaround with a match against Queens Park Rangers on Friday, which has been rescheduled for TV broadcast.
Newsome expressed his frustration on BBC Radio Leeds’ post-match show, saying: “It’s difficult, as we said before the game, you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t sometimes if you are a manager. If he had not made any changes, and someone maybe gets injured, then he’s at fault again, isn’t he? I can understand it, it’s preservation. He’s got one eye on Friday, we all know, Leeds fans were singing it, the fact we are playing Monday and Friday is disgusting really.”
Leeds United’s players are already feeling the strain of a congested fixture list, with Dan James suffering a potential season-ending injury during the match against Middlesbrough. James, who came on as a substitute in the final 10 minutes, was seen holding his ribs/core area and barely able to move in stoppage time.
Manager Daniel Farke expressed his concern over James’ injury, saying: “Not so much Joe Rodon, just a hit on his calf. Daniel James a bigger concern because it could be his core muscle. Bad news if it’s a major injury.”
Leeds United are already without Connor Roberts for the match against QPR, and the short turnaround will give James little time to recover. Newsome believes the scheduling is unfair, saying: “Everyone else is playing Saturday-Saturday, but we’ve got a massive turnaround away at Boro, then away in London. Loads of travel just because it’s got to be on TV. Poor.”
The quick turnaround and congested fixture list have raised concerns over player welfare and fatigue. Leeds United’s players will have to recover quickly if they want to maintain their promotion push.
In addition to James’ injury, Leeds United’s Illan Meslier had a far from effective display between the sticks, raising concerns over the team’s defensive solidity. However, the return to form of Crysencio Summerville, Patrick Bamford, and Willy Gnonto will be a welcome boost for manager Daniel Farke.
Leeds United’s victory over Middlesbrough was a dramatic encounter, with Summerville scoring twice and Bamford and Gnonto also finding the net. The win keeps Leeds United in the promotion hunt, but the quick turnaround and congested fixture list will test the team’s resolve and resilience.
Newsome’s comments highlight the frustration among fans and pundits over the scheduling of matches, particularly at this stage of the season when player fatigue and injuries are more common. The EFL’s decision to reschedule the match against QPR for TV broadcast has added to the congestion, leaving Leeds United with little time to recover between games.
As the season enters its final stretch, the scheduling of matches will come under increasing scrutiny. Fans and pundits alike will be hoping that player welfare and fatigue are taken into consideration to ensure a fair and competitive conclusion to the season.
Sport nation
Amina Umar
