It has been a difficult few months for Dan James. Injury at the end of last season prevented the Leeds United winger from a coherent pre-season, and since then, he’s been in and out of the side.
Returning from injury against his old loan side, Fulham, James was immediately subbed off a few minutes later with another knock. After another spell sidelined, James produced a miraculously quick recovery.
It had been expected that the speed machine would be out until after the November break. But James has come off the bench in Leeds’ last four Premier League games, but has failed to start since August.
One of the criticisms of Daniel Farke is that Brenden Aaronson continues to start on the right, even with James fit and raring to go. At least, that is according to the £25m Leeds winger in his latest interview.
Close up of Dan James in action for Leeds United.
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Dan James delivers his own injury verdict after tricky Leeds spell
James is with the Wales squad at the moment, who face two crucially important World Cup qualification matches against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia. Bellamy’s men need two wins to maintain the push.
Speaking to Welsh media ahead of Saturday night’s first game against Liechtenstein, James shared how he is currently feeling after a spell on the sidelines. He says he is ready to go and feeling good, now.
“It is frustrating, but that’s part of football and you’ve just got to do everything you can to get back on the pitch. I’m just happy that I’m fit and healthy, ready to go. I feel in a really good place at the moment.
“I’m just working as hard as I can, putting everything into training so I’m ready to come away for Wales, or on the pitch for Leeds, even if I’m not starting. Mentally, I am always ready to make a difference.”
Dan James during Leeds United v Everton.
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If Daniel Farke wants to keep his job, Dan James has to start
LeedsUnited.News understands Farke has been given until January to sort things out. But if he is to do that, he needs fans back onside, and he needs to listen to what the fans want. James is one of them.
Aston Villa is up next after the break and Farke has to win favour with fans. He can do that by picking a team that Leeds fans want, and one change he simply has to make is starting James, over Aaronson.
Others include bringing Harry Gray into the fold, and perhaps switching formation which would allow Leeds to play with two up top. But the first change that needs to be made, is a start for James.