Leeds United boss Daniel Farke's admission regarding Dominic Calvert-Lewin during international break with England
DANIEL Farke is keeping his fingers crossed that talismanic Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin gets the most out of the international break - on two fronts.
The 29-year-old has switched his focus to international duty with England, who are currently preparing for a Nations League home fixture against Croatia at Wembley on Thursday evening.
Calvert-Lewin was called up despite a slight foot issue that affected his training ahead of last weekend's Premier League victory against Spurs at Elland Road.
While United's top-scorer did not find the net, he led from the front in an excellent second-half performance to help the club secure their first league win in six matches.
Farke said: "He's always a leader. We don't want to win the Golden Boot for that and we aren't in a position to create as many chances as Bayern Munich does for Harry Kane - or otherwise he could also be there.
"Although he perhaps had chances to score in the last few games. But he's (also) important for us also with his work, pressing and with his hold-up and link-up play.
"It was a really good performance and the hope is that he can use the next two weeks to train properly and play, if he gets game time.
"But I also like that he has consistency right now and (hope) that he doesn't miss out with problems with his foot again."
A number of United players have linked up with their respective countries during the hiatus.
Anton Stach, who has been nursing a toe injury, was not named in the Germany squad, while Saturday's matchwinner Noah Okafor announced back in September that he would not play again for Switzerland under Murat Yakin.
Okafor has recently been affected by an abductor injury which limits his game time.
The Leeds chief added: "I think this international break comes in a good time in general.
"Hopefully Anton Stach will come back soon and Noah (Okafor) will be fully fit and Dominic gets rid of his problems."