Illan Meslier has been dropped for Leeds’ trip to Luton on Saturday after his high-profile errors against Swansea.
Daniel Farke, who has been under pressure to drop the Frenchman, confirmed the news on Thursday.
Meslier dropped the ball from Josh Tymon’s corner just after the hour mark, with Swansea’s Harry Darling on hand to fire home and punish his error.
The goalkeeper was then beaten at his near post by Zan Vipotnik in the 96th minute as the Welsh side came away with a draw that denied Leeds the chance to move level on points with Sheffield United at the top of the division.
“I have taken my decision and spoken to the goalkeepers, Karl Darlow will play Saturday,” he told the club’s official website on Thursday.
Watch the ups and downs of Leeds United’s late dramas this season
The Sky Sports Essential EFL podcast panel recently discussed whether it was time for Leeds United boss Daniel Farke to drop Illan Meslier
“It’s been important that we had clarity early in the week, so Karl could concentrate on this.”
Darlow, 34, has not played a league game for the club since December 29 2023.
Speaking after the aforementioned draw, Farke refused to blame Meslier for his part in the result.
“I’m far away from punishing a player [in Meslier] because we win together, lose together and draw together,” he said.
“After such a game and such a heartbreaking finish, they don’t need a manager who puts the result on the shoulder of players.
“It’s a heartbreaking moment if you concede in this manner but it’s football. If you want to take part in sport, you can’t expect the sun to always be shining.
“We’ve had great winners in the last minute and the opponent had to suffer the disappointment we had today – Sunderland and Sheffield United felt exactly the disappointment we do. You have to suffer a little bit, that’s normal, but then we go again.”
More to follow…
