Daniel Farke says Leeds United have everyone back, but his own update makes it clear they are far from fully ready ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup clash against West Ham.
Farke struck an upbeat tone when addressing his squad ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup clash with West Ham, insisting “everyone is back” following the international break.
On the surface, that sounds like a major boost. But the detail behind that claim tells a very different story. Leeds are only just getting their players back on the training pitch.
Farke admitted the full group will not even train together until two days before the game. That leaves very little time to prepare, especially with several players carrying minor issues.
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Leeds’ internationals are back in numbers, not in condition
Farke was clear that availability does not equal readiness. While the squad is technically back together, the physical condition of several players remains uncertain.
He confirmed there are “little knocks, minor issues” across the group, with “a few late decisions to make” before facing West Ham. That immediately raises questions about how settled his starting XI can be.
The timing is the biggest problem. Leeds will only have a full training group for a single meaningful session before matchday. That is far from ideal, particularly against Premier League opposition.
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This is not a squad hitting rhythm. It is one still trying to regroup. Farke said: “Today, everyone is back, for a handful of players, just recovery sessions. Welsh players, Bijol, Gydmundsson, so on.
“The first time we have them all back in training is tomorrow, and then just two days before the game. Little knocks, minor issues, a few late decisions to make.”
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The international window has clearly disrupted Leeds at a crucial point in the season.
Farke admitted it is “always tricky”, especially with players returning at different times and in different physical states. Some, like Gudmundsson, came back “buzzing”, but others have struggled.
Anton Stach is a clear example. The midfielder missed training earlier in the week due to a hip problem, although Farke confirmed he has now returned after Germany’s schedule allowed him to come back early.
On Stach, Farke said: “Anton Stach was struggling with hip problems and did not train yesterday, but he returned earlier as Germany played on Monday.”
He then added, on Dominic Calvert-Lewin: “Lots of travelling, yesterday at some point, he felt a little problem with his hamstring. We sent him in. Today we have scanned him. Hopefully he’s back tomorrow. I can’t really tell you yet if he is available for Sunday.”
Even then, it underlines the wider issue. Players are not returning in uniform condition, and that creates uncertainty across the squad.
Farke also acknowledged the emotional side of the break, referencing players chasing World Cup ambitions. It adds another layer of complexity to managing the group, both physically and mentally.
“It’s always tricky, not the best international period for a few players, it was a big dream to play in the World Cup. But that’s football. Gudmundsson came back buzzing. This is life and you have to accept it.”
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Noah Okafor missed Switzerland games due to injury
Leeds also have a fresh concern in attack, with Noah Okafor’s situation reinforcing the fitness doubts within the squad.
Okafor was recalled to the Switzerland squad but did not feature, prompting questions about his absence. The forward has now clarified that he was dealing with an injury issue.
That rules out any suggestion of a tactical snub and instead places him firmly in the same category as several of his teammates. Available, but not necessarily at full sharpness.
For Leeds, that matters. Okafor’s involvement could have been key against West Ham, but his lack of minutes over the break leaves his readiness in doubt.
It is another decision Farke will have to make late.
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