Leeds United could be without Daniel James for Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea after Daniel Farke confirmed the winger is an injury doubt.
James reported back and hamstring discomfort during the warm-up before Leeds’ 1-1 draw at Brighton on Saturday.
Scans have not shown a new injury, but the Wales international has so far been restricted to individual work ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Farke told the official Leeds United website that James still needs to come through two further sessions before a final decision is made.
The Leeds boss nevertheless described himself as “carefully optimistic” about the winger’s chances of being available.
💬 𝗗𝗙 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀: “Joe Rodon obviously has a long-term injury, a little question mark over Daniel James [back and hamstring]. If he comes through our next two sessions then we’re carefully optimistic.” pic.twitter.com/tCaUonpiaT
— Leeds United (@LUFC) September 8, 2026
Daniel James faces late Chelsea fitness check
James would be a notable absence given his impact in the previous round of the competition.
The 28-year-old opened the scoring as Leeds beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the City Ground to book Wednesday’s meeting with Chelsea.
He has also been involved regularly during Leeds’ unbeaten start to the new campaign.
Chelsea therefore face some uncertainty over whether one of Farke’s main attacking threats will feature at Stamford Bridge.
ReadChelsea’s Chelsea vs Leeds preview has the latest team news and match information from both camps.
Joe Rodon definitely ruled out against Chelsea
There is no such uncertainty surrounding Joe Rodon.
The centre-back remains sidelined with the hamstring injury he suffered against Brentford and is expected to miss around eight to ten weeks.
His absence was already confirmed before Leeds travelled to Brighton, where Nico Elvedi came into the side.
Rodon therefore remains Leeds’ only confirmed absentee for Wednesday, with Farke saying the rest of his squad is ready apart from the question over James.
That represents an improvement on the earlier uncertainty surrounding Ilia Gruev, who had recently returned to team training following his knee problem.
Farke hints at Leeds rotation
Chelsea may still face a significantly changed Leeds side.
Farke acknowledged the short turnaround following Saturday’s Premier League game and admitted there is an opportunity to rotate more heavily than he would for a normal league fixture.
Leeds have already shown their depth in this competition. Farke made six changes for the second-round victory at Nottingham Forest and still recorded a convincing away win.
Chelsea are expected to rotate themselves, with Xabi Alonso also managing several injuries.
Our latest Chelsea injury news confirms Moises Caicedo and Marco Palestra will miss the tie, while Levi Colwill is fit to return.
Wednesday’s third-round tie kicks off at 8pm BST at Stamford Bridge.
Does Chelsea vs Leeds go to extra time? Carabao Cup rules explained
Does Chelsea vs Leeds go to extra time? Carabao Cup rules explained
Chelsea injury news: Caicedo and Palestra ruled out vs Leeds
Chelsea injury news: Caicedo and Palestra ruled out vs Leeds