Ilian Gruev Returns as Daniel Farke Faces Injury Concerns
Daniel Farke will have Ilian Gruev back at his disposal this weekend, but the injury picture elsewhere has darkened.
Gruev, out since May with a knee problem, finally returned to action with the under-21s and came through almost a full match.
“After this long-term injury it was important to get his first minutes in the under-21 game. He played nearly 90 minutes and it was good for his confidence and his body. He is available for the weekend,” Farke said, welcoming a fresh option into his midfield.
The good news stopped there. Harry Wilson has suffered a quad injury that is set to rule him out not only for his club, but also for Wales during the upcoming international break. Joe Rodon remains sidelined as well, stretching the manager’s defensive resources.
Contract talk shut down
Off the pitch, Farke batted away another round of questions about his own future after managing director Robbie Evans told BBC Sport that both sides are “on the same page” over a new deal.
“No news from my side,” Farke replied. “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.”
The message was clear: the storyline is on the pitch, not at the negotiating table.
Calvert-Lewin backed as one of league’s best
One player very much in the spotlight is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose blistering start to the season has taken him back into the England squad. Farke was emphatic in his praise.
“Fully deserved. A perfect start to the new season. 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, goals, rhythm. For Farke, the recall is not a romantic comeback story – it’s a logical consequence.
European whispers, survival message
His own team’s form stretches back months, and Farke was keen to frame it as something deeper than a purple patch.
“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 Europe has inevitably followed. Farke cut 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. 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.”
Dreams can wait. Survival cannot.
Respect for Crystal Palace test
Next up come Crystal Palace, and Farke’s respect for the Eagles was striking.
“We face a really strong side. When I speak about Crystal Palace, I can't speak with more respect about them. 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.”
No downplaying. No easy narrative. Palace, in his eyes, are a benchmark, not a backdrop.
Using the break, not wasting it
With an extended international break looming, many squads will scatter. Farke intends to squeeze value from the pause.
“We allow ourselves a chance to recover a bit more than is possible in normal time. Then, the work continues. 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.”
Rest, then refinement. Gruev’s return, Wilson’s setback, and a rising level of expectation all feed into the same question: can this team turn hard-earned stability into something more without ever losing sight of that 40-point line?
