Daniel Farke has provided the latest on Dan James after he was forced off the field with what appeared to be a muscle injury against Fulham.
A day that looked full of promise turned into a disaster for Leeds United, who saw a well-earned point slip through their fingers at the death against Fulham.
Daniel Farke’s side had put on a resolute and combative display on the road, and came close to taking the lead with good chances for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the impressive Sean Longstaff and Brenden Aaronson.
However, in what is quickly becoming a frustrating theme of the season, Leeds failed to take their opportunities and were made to pay the price.
Fulham won deep into injury time when Gabriel Gudmundsson, who had enjoyed a brilliant game, somehow headed the ball unopposed past Karl Darlow for a sucker punch of crushing proportions.
To make matters even worse, Leeds also lost Dan James to injury. Farke has provided an update.
Dan James dribbles the ball while playing for Leeds United.
Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images
Daniel Farke says Leeds must wait for Dan James assessment
James made the long trip to Kazakhstan to play for Wales last week and played in a friendly on Tuesday, so he was given a spot on the bench by Farke and was only introduced in the 77th minute.
He immediately injected pace into Leeds’ attack and put the Whites back in the ascendancy.
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However, just 10 minutes later, the winger pulled up with no other players near him and was seen clutching his left hip while sitting on the ground.
James hobbled off the field and now Farke has provided an update on his condition.
The manager said: “Played for Wales on Tuesday, so used a fully rested Aaronson. Thought he played excellent.
“[James] Got a hit to his body and was forced to take him off. We will have to wait for the assessment.
“Hope it’s not anything major.”
Leeds United injuries are already mounting up in the Premier League
After James’ blow, that’s now six different injuries Leeds United have suffered already in a season that is only four games old.
James joins goalkeeper Lucas Perri and striker Joel Piroe in a physio room that has also seen Ao Tanaka, Ethan Ampadu and Noah Okafor all pay a visit since the season began, not counting Sebastiaan Bornauw, who was injured in pre-season and Gudmundsson, who was forced off early against Newcastle.
There was good news, at least, that Ampadu returned to the starting XI against Fulham and was immense in midfield, while Tanaka was back on the bench.
But the fact that injuries are already mounting, before the campaign has even got intense, is a real concern.
Leeds cannot afford to be without their best players for long, or a tough set of fixtures will get even harder, especially when well-earned points are thrown away like they were against Fulham.