Dan James’ difficult season has taken another hit, but Leeds United showed they can cope without him after finally getting the better of West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Leeds United looked as though they had produced a stunning display to beat West Ham in their FA Cup quarter-final clash, Ao Tanaka opening the scoring before Dominic Calvert-Lewin added a second.
It was a controlled display, but then it all went awry. Mateus Fernandes scored on 93 minutes, and then Axel Disasi made it 2-2 on 97 minutes. West Ham thought they went 3-2 up in extra time, but for VAR.
After 30 minutes of extra-time, the game went to penalties. Despite Joel Piroe’s miss, Leeds prevailed, largely thanks to a stunning performance from Lucas Perri both in normal time, and in the shootout.
READ MORE: Leeds eye Lucas Perri replacement as Middlesbrough’s Sol Brynn identified
Dan James and Gabriel Gudmundsson were both missing from the matchday squad, and the reasons are now clear. Speaking on X, YEP journalist Graham Smyth reported why the duo were absent.
Another setback for Dan James as Gabriel Gudmundsson injured
Smyth reported on X: “James – adductor strain, expected to miss a couple of weeks. Gudmundsson has a minor groin problem and was not risked today.”
LEEDS ARE IN THE FA CUP SEMI-FINALS!
Who was your Man of the Match?
Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
For James, this is another frustrating interruption in what has already been a stop-start campaign. The winger has not been able to build any real momentum, and this latest injury only adds to that pattern.
An adductor strain ruling him out for the next couple of weeks is not a long-term blow, but it continues a trend. James has already had spells out, and the lack of consistent availability has impacted his form.
This is not about one absence. It is about a season where he has struggled to stay on the pitch regularly enough to influence games in the way Leeds would expect.
Numbers show a clear drop-off in Dan James’ form
The numbers underline just how difficult this season has been for James. He has made 15 league appearances and is yet to register a goal or an assist.
That stands in stark contrast to last season, when he was one of Leeds’ most productive attacking players. Across 36 Championship appearances, he delivered 12 goals and 9 assists.
Dan James during Leeds United v Everton.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
The difference is clear and it is significant. A player who was directly contributing to over 20 goals last season is currently offering no tangible output in this one.
Injuries are to blame. Without game time, it becomes harder to find rhythm, sharpness and confidence. But the reality remains that Leeds have not seen the same level from James when he has featured.
Leeds still finding a way without their Welsh speed machine
What makes the win over West Ham even more notable is that Leeds are not just coping without him, they are in control. Tanaka’s opener set the tone, and Calvert-Lewin’s penalty extended their lead.
Gudmundsson’s absence also fits into that wider picture. Smyth’s report made it clear that his omission was precautionary rather than enforced, with a minor groin issue managed carefully.
QUARTER-FINAL 2: Anton Stach or DCL?
Who is your Leeds United Player of the Season?
That decision reflects a degree of control behind the scenes. Leeds are not forcing players back or taking unnecessary risks, and they still have enough on the pitch to compete.
It is only one game, and it is still ongoing, but it offers a useful snapshot. Even without James, Leeds have found a way to take command against Premier League opposition.
Leeds will be drawn in the semi-finals against Premier League sides Man City or Chelsea, or possibly their 2023-24 play-off final rivals Southampton after the Saints produced a shock win over Arsenal.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox