The Leeds United winger has not started a game since August
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
11:06, 07 Nov 2025
Daniel James in training
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Daniel James in training(Image: Malcolm Bryce/Leeds United via Getty Images)
Daniel James has been called up to the Wales squad again, which hardly a surprise, but one Daniel Farke might be mindful of.
The winger has not started a game for Leeds United since August, having sustained several issues in the time since then. He made a remarkably quick recovery from his ankle injury to come on as a substitute against Burnley last month.
However, it is clear that Leeds staff have been cautious about handing him too many minutes too soon - James has not really found his form and confidence since injuring his hamstring back in April.
Since his return from his latest issue, James has played just 56 minutes from the bench and has yet to start. That could change this weekend at Nottingham Forest, with the Welshman playing almost half an hour in the defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion - his longest stint after recovery.
That would come as a massive boost for Leeds, who have been lacking on the right wing amid his and Wilfried Gnonto’s absence. While Gnonto will get a rest this international break, though James will be hunting for World Cup qualification with Wales.
While minutes in the legs will do him good, there might be an underlying hope from Leeds that Craig Bellamy does not overdo it. Farke will never tell a national team boss how to use a player but given James’ recent injury bouts, he is unlikely to be able to go hell for leather.
Yet Wales will need him to. The Dragons must not lose to Liechtenstein, bottom of their World Cup qualifying group, then defeat North Macedonia to make sure of their place in the top two.
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The loss to Belgium last time out means finishing in the automatic top spot looks less likely so Wales must ensure they qualify for the play-offs. In essence, Wales need to go all out. And if James can be used, he will be. He’ll want to be.
Leeds won’t want to deter him away from that but they will be mindful about their upcoming fixtures when the winger will be needed. Aston Villa at home, Manchester City away, Chelsea at home and Liverpool at home follow after the break.
United need all the firepower they can get and that includes James. The hope is that he will be robust enough to play a part in all aspects for club and country - but the last few months, including Farke’s usage of him, have underscored that this is no guarantee.
The last thing anyone needs is another injury for the 27-year-old, especially at such a hectic time of the season. The next fortnight seems like a big test of James’ fitness amid hope that it will all work out favourably.
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