Sean Longstaff
LEEEngland
Right
Oct 30, 1997
28
5'11"
143 lb
CM
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Box-to-Box
Leeds UnitedPlays 17 minutes
Longstaff (calf) appeared for 17 minutes off the bench in Sunday's 3-1 win over Derby County.
Analysis: Longstaff returned to play in FA Cup action Sunday, appearing later in the match from the bench after last appearing Nov. 23. This is massive news, as the midfielder was a starter before the injury, now ready for league action moving forward. He will look to add to his one goal and two assists this season, likely to return to a starting role next match.
Held out at Newcastle
Longstaff (calf) was held out of the squad in Wednesday's loss against Newcastle. According to manager Daniel Farke, "It would have been an amazing atmosphere for him to be back at Newcastle but I have to take decisions. He was out of team training for six weeks, just a few sessions with a smaller group. I had him at the Man Utd game for the spirit and wasn't going to bring him on the pitch."
Analysis: Longstaff made the bench against Man United in more of a leadership role, implying that he's still not fully recovered from his calf injury. There's still a chance he sees minutes in the FA Cup game and even if not, the odds seem good that he will fully be an option for the Jan. 17 league game against Fulham. In his absence, Farke has moved to five defenders, which means consistent minutes for Longstaff may be a little more difficult once he fully returns.
Will build fitness
Longstaff will build his fitness in the coming week after staying on the bench in the draw against Manchester City.
Analysis: Longstaff was out six weeks with a muscle injury and despite returning to the bench last game, wasn't asked to take the pitch. Daniel Farke hinted that Longstaff may start the FA Cup match against Derby, as he's still not ready to start in the Premier League. Prior to injury, he turned into a regular starter and set-piece taker, something he'll have to win back given the recent form of Leeds.
Available against Manchester United
Longstaff (calf) is a bench option for Sunday's match versus Manchester United.
Analysis: Longstaff is returning after sitting out seven matches because of a significant calf injury. He'll be eased into action before recapturing his previous big role. He has scored once, assisted twice and posted 20 key passes, 44 crosses (22 accurate) and 35 tackles in 12 appearances.
Needs more time
Longstaff (calf) is still in need of more time of recovery, according to manager Daniel Farke. "No new injuries and also our long-term injuries with Sean, he needs a bit more time to recover."
Analysis: Longstaff was not expected to be back before January and will miss the first game of the month as well, set to be sidelined against Liverpool. Unfortunately, he will a seventh straight game this season due to the injury, a rough spell for the normal starter. He has started in 10 of his 12 appearances when fit this season while bagging three goal contributions, with a return likely to come soon.
Aims return in January
Longstaff (calf) remains out for Sunday's clash against Sunderland and aims a return in January, coach Daniel Farke said in the press conference. "No, no chance for Sean."
Analysis: Longstaff is still a bit far from making his return from a calf injury that has sidelined him for the last five games. The midfielder has resumed individual training and will be looking for a return in January. Until then, Ao Tanaka is expected to take on a larger role in the heart of the game for Leeds United.
Back in individual training
Longstaff (calf) is beginning to train individually, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Sean is progressing and doing individual training."
Analysis: Longstaff is working his way back from injury and earning a first major update since then, as the midfielder has trained individually. This likely leaves the midfielder on track for his return, looking to be an option in the last week of the year. This continues to be a major loss for the club, as he was a regular starter, so they will hope for his return by the end of the new year, likely to immediately be placed in the starting XI once fit.
Missing weeks with calf injury
Longstaff (calf) is out for the next four to six weeks due to a calf injury, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Sean is out with a calf injury, expected to be 4-6 weeks."
Analysis: Longstaff has suffered an injury this week and will hit the sidelines for an extended period, as the midfielder is deemed to miss four to six weeks with his calf injury. The club will now be without a regular starter, as their summer singing has yet to miss a start since the second match of the season. That said, this will force a change, with Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev likely to start in the midfield in his place while out.
Assists from corner
Longstaff assisted once to go with three crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Friday's 2-1 victory over West Ham United.
Analysis: Longstaff's delivery into the near post Friday setup Leeds United's second goal of their 2-1 over West Ham United. The assist was the midfielder's second of the season. Longstaff played a box-to-box role Friday as he led the team with three corners and also contributed four tackles (two won), one clearance and one block to the defensive effort. Longstaff has played the full 90 minutes across four successive appearances.
Goal and assist in stellar outing
Longstaff scored one goal and assisted once from two shots and seven chances created in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Longstaff delivered a standout performance Saturday where he tallied a goal and provided an assist. His activity all over the field was noticeable: 68 touches, 13 duels with 10 won, six tackles, three clearances, and a pass success rate of 87 percent (34/39). He has now earned a regular starting spot in midfield; with his blend of box-to-box capability, set-piece involvement and now goalscoring threat he is likely to feature in more goal involvement as the season progresses.
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