Leeds United forward Noah Okafor is out of action for the Burnley game today, which could also see him miss the clash with West Ham United as well.
Leeds United will face Burnley without their top scorer, with Noah Okafor out having been labelled as a doubt this week. It means Leeds’ injury woes are mounting by the gameweek currently.
In terms of poor timing, Graham Smyth has praised Okafor’s physical transformation this week. That came around the same time that Daniel Farke named Okafor as a doubt for Burnley with an adductor issue.
It wasn’t clear if he would be passed fit to make the squad, until the confirmation of Okafor’s injury length from Fabrizio Romano. He explained that the 25-year-old would miss between seven and 10 days.
Noah Okafor celebrates his Leeds goal vs Tottenham.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Noah Okafor sends update to Leeds fans
Prior to the signing of Okafor, his injury issues were explained. They have been apparent for a few years now, but Leeds took a chance on the AC Milan player over the summer.
He can operate as a winger or striker, but Leeds have utilised him from the left so far. The Swiss attacker has scored two goals for Leeds, but they need more consistent availability, especially in games like Burnley.
Those are where the points will be won for Leeds this season, but Okafor has since posted a two-word update for Leeds fans ahead of the clash and since the reveal of his injury. He spoke on Instagram and said: “Back soon 🙏🏽”
Leeds will hope that he can play some part against West Ham United next week, with the current period being such a vital stage of Leeds’ season.
Norwich City FC v Burnley FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Leeds needed Noah Okafor’s goal threat and the stats against Burnley show why
The stats for Burnley against Leeds are somewhat confusing, but a player like Okafor could well have been the differential to be the match-winner. His absence could be felt in a big way for the clash today.
On the one hand, Leeds have only lost one of their last six league meetings with Burnley. That includes three wins and two draws, but their goalscoring issues were laid bare against Scott Parker last term as they failed to score in both Championship meetings.
On the other, Premier League games between two newly-promoted clubs have been won by the home side on each of the last three occasions, including Burnley beating Sunderland 2-0 earlier this season.
Only three of the previous 19 top-flight games between promoted sides had seen home wins before this, though, with five draws and 11 away wins.
The good news for Leeds is that there hasn’t been four successive home wins in such fixtures since April to December 2012.