Daniel Farke Prepares for Weekend with Ilian Gruev's Return

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, out since May with a knee injury, returned in an under-21 fixture and was pushed close to the limit.

“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.”

One player returns, another drops out. Harry Wilson has suffered a quad injury and is set to miss not only club action but also Wales’ fixtures during the international break. Joe Rodon remains sidelined as Farke’s squad continues to juggle early-season knocks.

Contract talk shut down

Off the pitch, Farke was pressed again on his own future after managing director Robbie Evans told BBC Sport that club and coach are “on the same page” over a new deal. The German was in no mood to turn it into a saga.

“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.”

The message was clear: the negotiations can wait, the football cannot.

Calvert-Lewin’s England return applauded

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s blistering start to the campaign has earned him a recall to the England squad, and Farke had no hesitation in backing the 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.”

The striker’s form has underpinned a strong run stretching back into last season, a sequence Farke now views as the standard rather 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,” he said. “Everyone can be proud of this and take lots of confidence.”

Europe talk parked – survival first

That form has naturally sparked whispers about a possible push towards European places. Farke is having none of it, at least not yet. He brought the conversation straight back to basics.

“The first step is always to win 40 points and to make sure we do it as fast as 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.”

Ambition is there, but it’s anchored in a very clear target.

Respect for Crystal Palace test

Next up are Crystal Palace, and Farke’s respect for the Eagles was obvious.

“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.”

No complacency, no soft framing of the challenge. Palace, in his eyes, arrive as an upgraded version of the side that has already impressed in recent years.

Break brings rest – and hard work

An extended international break looms after the weekend, but Farke will not be treating it as a holiday.

“We allow ourselves a chance to recover a bit more than is possible in normal time. Then, the work continues,” he explained. “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.”

Recovery, refinement, and a closer look at the next wave – all while the 40-point mark sits fixed in his sights.