Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has provided an update on whether Noah Okafor is expected to be fit for their crucial game against West Ham.
Injury ruled Noah Okafor out of Leeds’ game against Burnley, and the Whites missed his presence on the wing in a toothless attacking display.
Brenden Aaronson missed the best chance of the game for Leeds, but the whole side was wasteful in the final third, as they registered a total of 19 shots on goal.
Jack Harrison was selected in place of Okafor, and he was also guilty of missing a good chance. Harrison fired over the bar with a difficult volley when he had time to take a touch.
Leeds have a quick turnaround before their next game, as they face West Ham on Friday night (24th October). Now, head coach Daniel Farke has provided an update on whether Okafor will be fit to return to the Leeds side.
Leeds United forward Noah Okafor
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Daniel Farke provides an update on Noah Okafor
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds immediately after the crushing defeat against Burnley, Farke explained that Okafor had suffered an adductor strain.
According to the Leeds boss, his participation in Leeds’ next Premier League game remains in the balance as a result. Farke said: “Yes, [he has an] adductor strain, and he will miss a few more days of training; we will see.
However, he refused to use his lack of options on the wing as an excuse, adding: “Of course, it would be very beneficial to have Willy back, to have Noah back, to have Harry Gray perhaps back, to have DJ then really fully fit available and Brenden [Aaronson] also without jet lag. Of course, it would be helpful.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
“It was a bit tricky today, but we don’t use it as an excuse today. I got the feeling the players on the pitch today could have finished the situation better. And I’m just focused and concentrated on the players who are available for that.
“No crying for Noah, who was at the top in terms of goalscoring, for Willy or whatever, for DJ to be back. Yeah, we are self-critical and even the players on the pitch today could have been more effective.”
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Dan James has to start for Leeds United against West Ham
The one silver lining for Farke from the defeat against Burnley was the earlier-than-scheduled return of Dan James, who was introduced as a second-half substitute.
Although James could not inspire a comeback, he looked lively in his cameo. He attempted eight crosses and created two chances in his 25 minutes on the field, according to FotMob.
James was central to Leeds’ attack last season, with his electric pace providing the Whites with a crucial outlet. He chipped in with 12 goals and nine assists in the Championship.
Now, Farke needs James to rediscover his best form and fast, as Leeds face the closest thing to a must-win game yet this season.