The shadow boxing of pre-season is nearly over. There is one final test ahead of Leeds United before the big kick-off.
Daniel Farke's men travel to Dublin to take on AC Milan in a warm-up fixture this Saturday. It promises to be another good work out for the Whites as they step up their preparations for the 2025/26 season.
A number of first team players sat-out the Villarreal clash through injury. Farke will be hoping to have some of those players to choose from when they go head-to-head with Milan at the Aviva Stadium, kick-off 3pm.
Here is the latest on United's injured stars and when they could return to action, with their Premier League curtain-raiser at home to Everton just two weeks away.
Lucas Perri
The £15.6m summer signing was among the new faces supporters wanted to see against Villarreal. But the Brazilian has endured a frustrating start to life at Elland Road and was not risked against the La Liga side.
What Farke said after Villarreal: "He came with a light injury, so he was not involved in team training. So far, he had a few days of rehab and also building physical fitness because the last days were also a bit difficult for him.
“It’s always busy with signings and travelling and whatever. Since yesterday, he’s also back in specific goalkeeper training with our goalkeeper coach.
“Tomorrow, or later next week, he will join us in team training. Lucas, we believe in him, in his quality. He needs a bit of time on the training pitch to step up.”
Potential return: AC Milan
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Jayden Bogle
The 25-year-old has been struggling with a hip flexor injury and was left out of the Villarreal match. Farke admitted the right-back's knock is a "bit of concern" going into the final period of pre-season.
What Farke said: "I’m not sure if I will have him available for our final test. I hope to have him at least available then during the last week of preparation (before Everton) because he’s an important player for us.
"We all know we need, in the offence, additions, but also see in the full-back positions, if there is an injury of a player like Jayden, we are also a bit thin.”
Potential return: Everton
Sebastiaan Bornauw
The towering centre-back sustained a calf injury in United's first training session in Germany. Farke insists Bornauw is on a "good path" to recovery. But given the former Wolfsburg man has missed a number of friendlies, it is hard to imagine Farke handing him a start for the Everton showdown.
Potential return: Everton
Leeds United winger Daniel James (Image: Getty Images)
Daniel James
The Wales international was also absent from the Villarreal draw. The speedy winger was one of the Whites' standout performers in their title-winning campaign.
What Farke said: “Daniel James had light problems during this week. I didn’t want to risk anything, but I expect him also to be available for our last test against AC Milan."
Potential return: AC Milan
Jack Harrison
Harrison, who has spent the past two seasons on loan at Everton, was due to see a consultant today regarding his groin problem.
What Farke said: "Jack had every training session and also all the games until after the training camp. Right now, he’s struggling with a few adductor problems. He had a scan and now we wait for the outcome. He will also see a consultant on Monday. We hope it’s just a question of a few days he will miss.
“I hope to also have him available for the Milan game, but we have to wait for the outcome.”
Potential return: AC Milan
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