Judging by Leeds United’s training sessions over the last couple of days, Daniel Farke’s squad looks like it is down to the bare bones ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Burnley.
Those on international duty have now made their way back to Yorkshire, but some only returned in the last 24 or 48 hours and have been doing individual training or undergoing a recovery session first.
Brenden Aaronson played more than 26 minutes in the early hours of Wednesday morning, and the chances are he will not have returned until today. Ilia Gruev played 90 minutes on Tuesday night.
There were some surprising faces in training, though. Daniel Farke confirmed Dan James is well ahead of schedule and was spotted in the latest training video, even if he was initially sidelined until November.
Sam Chambers looks dejected with his hands on his hips during Leeds United vs Millwall in the FA Cup.
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The three youngsters spotted in senior Leeds training this week
Given the numbers had been reduced despite the return of Lucas Perri, a handful of young players were also included in training this week. Sam Chambers is back from injury and is well-liked by boss Farke.
Rhys Chadwick has often been spotted in senior training this season, after a stunning 2024-25 campaign with the 21s in which he had a hand in 26 goals and assists. Chadwick also featured during pre-season.
But the surprise name, and who it appears to be, is defender Luke Matykiewicz. The 18-year-old, who has been called up to Northern Ireland’s U18s in the last few months, was spotted sporting his blonde locks.
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While training can be filled with some youngsters, Farke will not be so quick to rely on his U21 and U18 sides when it comes to matchday. However, Leeds could possibly be without four players on Saturday.
Farke said the game will come too soon for Perri, and Karl Darlow will start. Perri is fit again and seen training, but lacks fitness according to the Leeds boss. Then, the real problem emerges, on the flanks.
Willy Gnonto has undergone hernia surgery and will be back next week. Farke says it is too soon for James to start, but could get minutes off the bench while Noah Okafor is a doubt with an adductor issue.
Rhys Chadwick applauds Leeds United fans after a friendly with Man Utd.
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Okafor was not in the training video and that could mean, despite his late outing for the US, Aaronson is relied upon again. Jack Harrison could be handed his first Premier League start of the 2025-26 season.
It also leaves gaps on the bench and both Chambers and Chadwick, who are attacking players, could fill a gap. Harry Gray is also missing from training as he continues to overcome his hip injury.