Leeds United have multiple fitness concerns ahead of their must-win Premier League match with West Ham United on Friday.
The pressure is on Daniel Farke to deliver a result under the Elland Road floodlights on Friday night, as Leeds United welcome struggling West Ham United to Yorkshire.
Leeds lost to fellow Premier League newcomers Burnley last weekend, a rare fixture against a team below them in the table that they need to be winning if they want to stay up.
West Ham are another such side and will travel North while sitting second bottom in the table with just four points on the board.
Anything less than a victory against an atrocious West Ham, who are yet to win under Nuno Espirito Santo, would lead to serious questions being asked of the manager.
Farke has had serious injury issues to contend with in the squad and they haven’t relented much ahead of Friday. If anything, they’ve got worse.
Here’s the latest Leeds team news and possible return dates.
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Willy Gnonto – Hernia
Wilfried Gnonto of Leeds United.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Leeds have been without Willy Gnonto since mid-September and are really missing his attacking verve on the flanks.
It was hoped Gnonto would be back after the international break, but he is yet to return to training after undergoing a hernia operation during the pause in club football. It appears he won’t be available against West Ham.
What Farke said: “We have to take some late decisions. We have problems in the offence. Noah Okafor and Willy Gnonto are making good progress.
“In terms of their rehab, but they weren’t able to complete training this week. Noah wasn’t out as long as Willy, so it might be more realistic to include him, but there will be some late decisions; we will see.”
Possible return date: November 1 vs Brighton
Noah Okafor – Hip
Noah Okafor in action for Leeds.
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
Noah Okafor is the club’s top scorer and his late injury ahead of facing Burnley came as a massive blow to Leeds, who lacked attacking spark without his dribbling ability on the left.
The blow is a minor one, though, and Fabrizio Romano reported Okafor would only be out for 7-10 days, but West Ham may come just too soon for him to return to action.
What Farke said: “We have to take some late decisions. We have problems in the offence. Noah Okafor and Willy Gnonto are making good progress.
“In terms of their rehab, but they weren’t able to complete training this week. Noah wasn’t out as long as Willy, so it might be more realistic to include him, but there will be some late decisions; we will see.”
Possible return date: October 24 vs West Ham, but unlikely.
Ethan Ampadu – Illness
Ethan Ampadu takes a throw-in for Leeds United.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
To make matters worse, Leeds’ casualty list has expanded this week with Ethan Ampadu missing training on Wednesday due to illness.
It’s not yet clear if the captain will recover in time to take part in the crucial match in the relegation race.
What Farke said: “Some players are struggling with illness. Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk missed team training today, with question marks around their availability. Some late calls, and we will see.”
Possible return date: October 24 vs West Ham
Pascal Struijk – Illness
Leeds United centre-back and vice captain Pascal Struijk
Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images
It’s lurgy season and Ampadu isn’t the only one to be struck down with a bug, as it’s impacted Pascal Struijk as well.
If the centre-back is out, Jaka Bijol may finally make his Premier League debut.
What Farke said: “Some players are struggling with illness. Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk missed team training today, with question marks around their availability. Some late calls, and we will see.”
Possible return date: October 24 vs West Ham
Harry Gray – Hip
Harry Gray during Leeds United FC v Stoke City FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Harry Gray is yet to play this season, so Leeds aren’t exactly missing him, but the option to bring the young striker on off the bench would certainly be handy. He’s been out since October with a hip flexor issue and isn’t scheduled to return until next month.
What Farke said: “Harry is out of training at the moment; he needs a few more days. He’ll be back in team training next week.”
Possible return date: November 1 vs Brighton