Leeds United
Leeds United had to go the distance to see off Championship side Birmingham City in the fourth round of the FA Cup, eventually advancing via a penalty shootout.
Sean Longstaff held his nerve to score the winning penalty, sealing progression for the Whites after Birmingham had taken the contest right to the wire.
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Under scrutiny in recent weeks, Lucas Perri stepped up when it mattered most, delivering a series of important saves in normal time and during the shootout to ensure there was no shock at St Andrew’s.
The focus will turn to the Premier League in the coming days, and Daniel Farke has provided fitness updates on two key players in Noah Okafor and Daniel James.
Daniel Farke provides injury update after FA Cup win
The Leeds United manager will turn his focus to the Premier League and their game against Aston Villa at Villa Park next weekend.
Daniel James was missing from the squad for the trip to Birmingham today, and Farke has explained that the winger is dealing with a back injury.
He is hopeful that it is not too serious and he could be fit for the Villa clash next weekend.
The Leeds boss also revealed that he took off Noah Okafor today because he was struggling with his hamstring and hopes that it is nothing more than a cramp.
Farke told reporters after the game: “Back injury for Dan James. Hopefully not too bad.
“Okafor felt something in hamstring. Hopefully just a cramp. Too early to say.”
Leeds need these two players to be fit
The Whites have been tipped to win the FA Cup, but their focus will remain on ensuring survival in the Premier League this season.
Dan James has struggled with injuries this season, and Noah Okafor has failed to live up to the expectations since his arrival in the summer.
However, these two remain key players in the squad, and Farke hopes that they won’t be out for too long as they continue to focus on survival in the Premier League.
Leeds will monitor the two players over the next few days and further updates are only expected when Farke sits for his press conference on Thursday.