Leeds United saw off a fierce Birmingham City in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday afternoon, but as focus turns back to the Premier League following a hectic tie.
Even though the priority remains on staying in the Premier League, Leeds had eyes on progressing to the next round of the FA Cup on Sunday.
Daniel Farke was able to name a relatively strong side despite making five changes, looking to advance to round five in another tough Championship away tie.
Noah Okafor hobbles off with worrying hamstring concern as Leeds United win
It was a pretty grim performance all round from Leeds, with bright sparks being Lucas Perri’s heroics either side of a superb strike from Lukas Nmecha.
Leeds needed penalties after an energy-sapping 120 minutes to see off the Blues, and that performance took it out of a lot of the squad.
Included in that was Noah Okafor, who assisted Leeds’ opener. The winger lasted 82 minutes after scoring at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, but a darting run to the by-line and winning a corner in the second half proved a move too far.
He was replaced by Jayden Bogle after identifying an issue with his hamstring, hobbling off with eight to play. It may be too early to say whether it was cramp or an actual hamstring injury. But, Farke had this to say on the Swiss international:
“Just a muscle issue I think. Hope he’s OK for the next game,” he told LeedsLive.
Dan James misses Leeds United FA Cup tie with new back issue
Okafor wasn’t the only winger that Leeds have left St Andrews sweating over. Dan James was anticipated to have a big role in the fourth round tie.
Although, the lineups confirmed James was completely absent from the matchday squad. Having only just returned from a long-term layoff, Farke revealed a new back injury is what kept the Wales international out.
“Dan James has issues with his back,” Farke added.
Leeds United’s next game is another trip to the ‘second city’. The Whites face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa on Saturday 21st February at Villa Park.
Leeds United fitness concerns not ideal ahead of testing Premier League double-header
Farke felt the need to risk his key players in the trip to Birmingham today. The performance from his fringe options in the first half was turgid, to be fair.
However, that risk was met with Okafor pulling up, and that’s the last thing he needs.
We know he’s an injury-prone winger. So, having him on for 82 minutes might have been too much after his performance off the bench on Tuesday.
Hopefully it’s nothing to worry about and we keep him wrapped in cotton wool.
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