Leeds United winger Noah Okafor has been ruled out for two-to-four weeks with a hamstring injury, picked up in the FA Cup clash with Birmingham City.
United’s attention turns back to the Premier League this week after an intense FA Cup tie with Birmingham City needed penalties to decide the winner.
Daniel Farke’s side did not come out of that clash unscathed, with a new injury setback leaving a key player ruled out for the remainder of February.
Leeds United team news pre-Aston Villa: Noah Okafor out for two-to-four weeks
The main bit of team news to come out of Farke’s pre-match press conference was the expected injury blow to Noah Okafor.
Having hobbled off late on against the Blues clutching his hamstring, Okafor has been ruled out for two-to-four weeks by Farke.
Such an absence comes at a frustrating tie for the Swiss winger, having scored two and assisted one in his last three appearances. Farke confirmed that he would be definitely missing for our next two league games, but couldn’t put a timeframe on Okafor beyond that.
Elsewhere, Farke confirmed positive updates for Pascal Struijk, Dan James and Anton Stach. All three are fit and available for Villa Park on Saturday.
How do Leeds United cope without Noah Okafor ahead of Aston Villa clash?
That absence now leaves Farke with a headache in his attack. Okafor has been a key figure of late with his best performance in a Leeds shirt during that win over Nottingham Forest, before helping flip the game at Stamford Bridge too.
Leeds have wide options waiting in the wings, though. James returns to the fore while Willy Gnonto will be vying for more opportunities. Brenden Aaronson is likely to retain a Premier League starting berth after an incredible redemption arc in the past few months.
Interestingly, Farke did suggest that he’s not yet willing to hand regular starts out to Facundo Buonanotte. I thought the Argentine was poor in his full debut against Birmingham. Consequently, Farke insists the Brighton loanee is aware of his role in the squad.
“If you want an attacker or winger who comes straight into our team and is better than other options, you have to spend £30-40m, that’s where we are,” Farke said, per the YEP.
“If this is not possible, you have to accept that you can improve depth in your squad. Happy to have him, we’ve improved depth and replaced Jack Harrison. He’ll get all my trust and support, I don’t write him off after one poor half because he hasn’t played for ages. Let’s see what the outcome is in summer, not a big risk just an opportunity for him to sign.”
Could Anton Stach go straight into Leeds United’s lineup v Aston Villa?
Farke did describe a “big boost” for his side comes in the form of Stach’s imminent return. The German has been missing from Leeds’ last three games in all competitions.
He’s obviously not a like-for-like replacement for Okafor. However, Farke’s praise of the midfielder does indicate he could come straight back into the starting XI.
“Big boost, same to have Struijk and James back too. Anton is fantastic, and played a crucial role for us,” Farke said. “Balances the physical side and is also good on the ball, tactically spot on, top character with good technique.
“Very impressive because top players usually need time to adapt to the Premier League but Anton has been shining since the first day in pre-season. Says a lot about his character and quality. Can hopefully stay fit and show performances like he has done all season.”
Previously, Stach has operated in a more advanced role for Leeds during away games. Most recently, he started in the trip to Everton playing as a right-sided attacking midfielder. In the process, he notched the assist for James Justin as Aaronson played off the left.
Away to superior opposition, the same role could be in store for Stach. Not only has he shown his quality to provide in the final third, but would be a huge asset out of possession too.
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