Illan Meslier will be replaced by Karl Darlow as Leeds United’s goalkeeper for Saturday’s trip to Luton Town, manager Daniel Farke has confirmed.
It will be the Wales international’s first league start in more than 15 months, having acted as Meslier’s deputy throughout that period.
The part Meslier played in Swansea City’s two goals at Elland Road last Saturday proved to be the final straw for Farke. After saving a first-half penalty, the 25-year-old dropped a corner at Harry Darling’s feet before failing to stop Zan Vipotnik’s shot from a tight angle on the stroke of full time.
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Meslier’s poor performance in that 2-2 draw followed a season littered with errors which have cost Leeds points in their quest for promotion. Farke addressed the goalkeeping situation at the start of Thursday’s press conference and was keen to ensure there was clarity for all parties concerned.
“I’m a big believer in always having clarity on the goalkeeper position,” he said. “For that, I’ve taken my decision already and spoken to the goalkeepers.
“Karl Darlow will play on Saturday, if nothing happens, and Illan will be on the bench, so we’ll change this position. That’s what I can confirm.
Meslier is set to be dropped following his role in both goals during Saturday’s draw against Swansea (Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
“Karl is aware and Illan is aware. It’s important we have clarity relatively early during this week. Karl, for him, it’s the first time he’s involved in a league game since a while (and it’s important) he can concentrate on this topic. This is definitely the decision for the weekend.”
Darlow’s last league start came more than 15 months ago, when he began at The Hawthorns for Leeds against West Bromwich Albion on December 29, 2023. He has, however, made eight appearances this season, both in the cup competitions for Leeds and with Wales.
A necessary step from Farke in promotion race – analysis
This was a decision Farke had to make ahead of Saturday. There will be immense relief throughout the fanbase that Meslier has been taken out of the firing line. This was one unnecessary distraction Farke and the team could do without as they go down to Kenilworth Road.
Even if Meslier had shown Farke in training and in conversation he was ready to go again this weekend, everyone, fans and team-mates alike, would have been waiting for that next error. With seven games to go and United’s promotion fate in their own hands, this was a risk Farke could not afford to take.
Had it been a junior back-up without any experience, it may have been a harder decision, but Darlow is 34 with 154 Championship appearances to his name. He will not be perfect between the sticks, but sometimes a change is all that is needed for everyone to reset.
(George Wood/Getty Images)
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