Leeds United take on Chelsea, as Daniel Farke confirms a major injury setback for Dan James who is out for a significant period with hamstring trouble.
United manager Daniel Farke cannot afford to continue losing games if he wants to keep his job at Elland Road. The problem he’s got there is that he faces one of the best sides in the country this Wednesday in Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.
After that is another home meeting with Liverpool. As a result, Farke needs a significant improvement across 90 minutes to stand a chance of picking points up.
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Leeds United team news pre-Chelsea: Dan James out for eight weeks minimum, surgery question raised
The question on everyone’s lips heading into Farke’s pre-match press conference this afternoon was an update on Dan James.
Leeds’ speedy winger was withdrawn at half-time against Man City due to a hamstring problem, prompting a change in personnel and formation.
Farke has now confirmed that the Wales international is ruled out for minimum eight weeks thanks to aproblem with his hamstring tendon. He also noted that this initial prognosis hinges on surgery – should James go under the knife, he’s looking at a longer spell out.
Leeds United winger Dan James is ruled out for eight weeks with hamstring injury. (REUTERS/Phil Noble)
Elsewhere, the Leeds boss confirmed that Anton Stach has passed concussion protocol and is therefore fit to face Chelsea this Wednesday.
On the goalkeeper front, Karl Darlow’s non-presence against City last time out was due to a minor adductor issue. He has overcome that issue, and should be fit to feature if selected.
Sean Longstaff remains out, expected to be sidelined until January.
Daniel Farke simply has to change shape as Leeds United wide options dwindle again
James being out leaves Leeds without a natural wide outlet to sting Chelsea on the break. Of course, Willy Gnonto could play there, and should if Farke sticks with a 4-3-3.
However, it seems painfully obvious that we have to shift to a 3-5-2 that we saw in the second half on Saturday.
We looked infinitely better as soon as we played direct to an aerial outlet like Dominic Calvert-Lewin. And, that sort of setup is needed now with James out.
Jayden Bogle looked a brilliant creator on the right in that second half. Meanwhile, Gabriel Gudmundsson is suited to play as a wing-back as well. We’re so suited to playing a back three, and James’ absence makes it absolutely vital for the rest of 2025.
Add to that Stach being fit enough to add legs and aggression, and you have a very well balanced 3-5-2.
Read more: Daniel Farke needs to avoid defeat vs Chelsea/Liverpool to stay in Leeds job.