Jesse Marsch has told Thursday’s press conference that he is “excited” to welcome Dan James back to the Leeds United squad on Saturday after suspension – but states the Welshman will only be on the bench against Southampton.
The 24-year-old was forced to watch the 2-1 win over Wolves on Saturday, due to suspension. It comes after being sent off against Chelsea, a straight red card. It saw him miss games against Brighton and Brentford, and then Saturday.
Instead, he played 90 minutes for the club’s Under-21 side against Derby County – captaining the second string to a 5-2 win. Mateo Joseph netted four goals in that game, and Marsch was also very complimentary about the Spaniard.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash against Southampton, Marsch has welcomed back James – as well as Liam Cooper, Luis Sinisterra and Adam Forshaw. He says he is “excited” to bring him back, but James will be on the bench.
“He will be a big option for us to come in from the bench, he is 100% ready. We will find ways to integrate him. He is a really important player for us, he has a lot of flexibility and quality and I’m excited to get him back in,” Marsch said.
Marsch ‘excited’ to bring James back into Leeds squad
The Leeds squad has so much more depth this season. The six new signings, even after losing Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, looks better balanced. With James and Sinisterra back, Leeds have three players vying for the same position.
Jack Harrison is likely to start on the left. Rodrigo scored against Wolves and although not a natural winger, he is likely to operate from the right. Sinisterra and James probably from the bench. But to have them on the bench is huge.
Leeds will be looking to make it two wins from two against a Southampton side that were easily beaten by Spurs last weekend. £52k-a-week James will likely feature, but off the bench.
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