Daniel Farke has delivered an update on four Leeds United players ahead of Monday night’s Premier League clash with bitter rivals Manchester United.
Leeds head into the game on the back of an FA Cup win over West Ham, but the result came with clear concerns. Injuries to several key players have left Farke with decisions to make ahead of the clash.
The Leeds boss addressed the situations involving Dan James, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Anton Stach and Joe Rodon during his pre-match press conference. James and Gudmundsson missed the West Ham game.
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Stach went off injured after a tackle from West Ham defender Max Kilman, after Rodon had already left the game through injury. Leeds went on to win the FA Cup clash on penalties, reaching the semi-finals.
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Farke confirmed the latest on James after the winger missed West Ham through injury. James has been injured for much of the season, and his fitness remains a major talking point ahead of facing Man United.
Gudmundsson was also absent for that game, further limiting Leeds in wide areas. Farke provided clarity on his condition, while also confirming that Jaka Bijol and Noah Okafor have picked up knocks.
“Not the best news. Anton Stach will definitely miss the game on Monday, ankle injury. Also Joe Rodon will miss the game on Monday, ankle injury for him. Dan James will miss the game, adductor strain.
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“Won’t be available. Jaka Bijol is currently struggling with a knock, not in team training this week. Noah Okafor, not in team training today, struggling with back problems, Gudmundsson has made progress.
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“He came back with light groin problems after the break. But all three [Bijol, Okafor, Gudmundsson] are doubts. If the game was played tomorrow, they wouldn’t be available but thankfully it’s on Monday.”
Clattenburg verdict increases frustration over Stach injury
Stach’s injury has drawn added attention due to the nature of the challenge. The midfielder went down following a tackle that Leeds felt should have resulted in a penalty.
Former referee Mark Clattenburg said a mistake had been made, stating that Leeds should have been awarded a spot-kick. He also criticised VAR for failing to intervene, heightening the frustration.
The challenge led directly to Stach being forced off, leaving Leeds with another injury concern at a key stage. Stach has been crucial to Leeds this season, scoring and creating goals from midfield.
Focus turns to Manchester United for Leeds and Farke
Attention now turns fully to Monday night’s meeting with Manchester United. Leeds will take confidence from beating West Ham, but the growing injury list remains a concern.
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Facing United represents a significant test, and squad availability will be crucial. Farke’s update has now provided clearer insight into Leeds’ options ahead of the game.
Leeds approach the fixture with momentum, but also with questions around key players. The balance between those two factors is likely to shape the contest.
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