The winger has not started a Leeds United game since August, for various reasons, says the manager
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
10:53, 10 Nov 2025
Daniel James came on for the final 16 minutes
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Daniel James came on for the final 16 minutes(Image: Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Daniel James did not start against Nottingham Forest due to both tactical and performance reasons, says Daniel Farke. The Leeds United manager also pointed to his injury record over the past few months as a factor.
James has yet to start a game since August due to a combination of fitness issues and injury setbacks, and has only played 72 minutes across four substitute appearances since his return from an ankle injury.
The Welshman, set to represent his country this international break, was brought on with the first batch of replacements in the 74th minute against Forest. He was the brightest winger in the second half despite his limited game time, flashing in a shot that Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels had to save.
Asked by BBC Radio Leeds why James did not start at the City Ground, Farke said: “It’s not just a tactical choice, it’s also performance-related. He was rarely on the pitch in the last four months.
“He missed more or less the last three months in the Championship because he was injured. He didn’t have the best pre-season because he was injured, and also not the best run of games.
“Once we started the Premier League season, he was also out for a bit. I didn’t see in the last games when he came in that he took the league by storm.
“We have really good other offensive players, so it’s not that easy. Just because he’s fit right now, I would have to leave Noah Okafor out, or a workhorse like Brenden Aaronson out, or a leader like Sean Longstaff out. So it’s always up to the competition. But, fitness-wise, he’s back.”
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