Ilian Gruev Returns for Daniel Farke as Injury Concerns Linger
Daniel Farke will have Ilian Gruev back at his disposal this weekend – and he likes what he’s seen from the midfielder’s first real steps after a long lay-off.
Gruev has been out since May with a knee injury, but came through close to a full game for the under-21s as he builds back fitness.
“After this long-term injury it was important to get his first minutes in the under-21 game,” Farke said. “He played nearly 90 minutes and it was good for his confidence and his body. He is available for the weekend.”
The news is not as positive elsewhere. Harry Wilson has suffered a quad problem that is expected to rule him out not only for club duty but also for Wales during the upcoming international break. Joe Rodon, meanwhile, remains sidelined.
No contract ‘soap opera’
Off the pitch, Farke batted away attempts to turn his own future into a running saga. Managing director Robbie Evans told BBC Sport last week that he and the club are “on the same page” regarding a new deal, but Farke made it clear he has no interest in drip-feeding updates.
“No news from my side,” he said. “I spoke at the end of last season long, detailed, open and honest about the situation. I don't want to make a weekly soap opera of it. No-one wants a manager who is always talking about his future and his contract.”
Calvert-Lewin praise and England recall
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s blistering start to the campaign has taken him back into the England squad, and Farke had no doubts about the merit of that decision.
“Fully deserved. A perfect start to the new season,” he said. “He's scored goals and has delivered performances. He's played with a good confidence and is in a good rhythm. He definitely deserves this call-up. He's definitely one of the best strikers in this league.”
Form, Europe talk and a firm reminder
Farke also highlighted his own side’s impressive run stretching back into last season. For him, it’s no longer a hot streak. It’s a standard.
“It's not a coincidence any more. It's not just a good period, it's quality that we are delivering. Everyone can be proud of this and take lots of confidence.”
Talk of a possible European push has started to bubble up around that form. Farke cut straight through it with a blunt reminder of the club’s reality.
“The first step is always to win 40 points and to make sure we do it as fast a possible,” he said. “If we do it and there are still games left, we will definitely take it – but my only aim and only focus is to make sure we win the 40 points and play another Premier League season.”
Respect for Crystal Palace
Next up come Crystal Palace, and Farke’s respect for the Eagles was obvious. He sees a club that has quietly hardened into one of the division’s most reliable operators.
“We face a really strong side. When I speak about Crystal Palace, I can't speak with more respect about them,” he said. “They have done exceptionally well, especially in the last seasons winning titles. They have done good business in the summer and I think they are stronger this season than last season.”
Using the break
With an extended international break on the horizon, some managers might switch off. Farke will not. The schedule eases, but the work does not.
“We allow ourselves a chance to recover a bit more than is possible in normal time. Then, the work continues,” he said. “Just because we don't have a game for a while doesn't mean we don't train for a while. There are still players here who need my attention. Sometimes there is more time for the detail and for younger players.”
Gruev’s return, Wilson’s setback, a grounded points target and a manager refusing to turn his contract into a circus: the foundations are clear. What his side build on top of them over the coming months will decide how far this season can really go.
