Leeds United injury latest ahead of Aston Villa's Premier League clash against Daniel Farke's side
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke(Image: PA)
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Leeds United will be hoping to welcome a few players back from injury for their visit to Aston Villa this weekend.
Daniel Farke’s side head to Villa Park on Saturday in search of their first away league win since September 20, when they beat Wolves at Molineux.
However, despite being winless in their last 10 league matches on the road, Leeds have lost only two of their last 15 matches across all competitions.
Taking draws from Brentford, Sunderland, Liverpool, and Chelsea, Farke’s team will be a tough nut to crack this weekend.
They return to the Second City after progressing to the fifth round of the FA Cup following a penalty shoot-out victory against Birmingham City.
Noah Okafor was forced off in the 82nd minute at St. Andrew’s with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Farke said: “After a sprint, he felt a bit in his muscle. I hope it's just a cramp, but we have to assess him. I hope it's not too bad and that we have him available for the [Villa] game… it's too early. We have to assess him.”
Eyebrows were raised when Daniel James was left out of the squad, which was injury-related. Farke explained: “Daniel James, just before the game, was ruled out yesterday. He had some problems with his back, didn’t feel comfortable in his movements, and wasn’t able to sprint. So we had to leave him out.”
Influential midfielder Anton Stach was also ruled out of the Birmingham match as he was yet to overcome his hip flexor problem.
Farke had always earmarked the trip to Villa as the game for his return. Stach has played just three times since the 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United on January 7, having missed the win over Fulham due to a muscle problem.
Pascal Struijk was touch and go for the Birmingham cup tie but is expected to return to the fold for Leeds on Saturday.