Okafor has previously only missed one Premier League matchday squad this season
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
14:33, 19 Feb 2026
Noah Okafor
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Noah Okafor(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Leeds United summer signing Noah Okafor has been ruled out for between two and four weeks with a hamstring injury he sustained in Sunday’s FA Cup win against Birmingham City.
Okafor has sustained a number of muscle injuries since arriving from AC Milan this summer, although has been absent for just one matchday squad due to a setback. However, the winger is now set to miss at least the upcoming games against Aston Villa and Manchester City, and possibly more.
“Noah is really lightning quick so these types of players are a bit more vulnerable,” said Leeds boss Farke. “Sometimes you can’t help it and I can't put him in cotton wool.”
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In better news, Anton Stach is back in training ahead of United’s trip to Villa having missed the last three games with a hip flexor issue. The German, a £17million signing this summer, has started 20 Premier League games this season with three goals and three assists registered.
Whether he starts at Villa Park or not remains to be seen but having him back available is undoubtedly a boost.
“Anton has been fantastic and played a crucial role for us,” said Farke. “He perfectly embodies a balance between being a physical player and being good on the ball, good tactically and a top character.
“He’s also good at set-pieces. It’s really impressive because normally players need time to adapt to the Premier League and Anton has shone from the first day of pre-season. This is quite rare I would say, and it says a lot about his character.”
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Pascal Struijk is also back from this own hip injury, having missed the Chelsea draw and the win over Birmingham City.
Struijk has remained a regular amid the change to a back three formation, starting every league game since November 23 prior to his setback. Daniel James was ruled out of the FA Cup clash with a back complaint, being withdrawn only as a precaution.
The Welshman - who has already missed 15 games through various setbacks this season - is back in training too.