This represents a big boost for the Whites. Daniel Farke has stated that a key Leeds United player could return from injury for his team’s Championship playoff game against Norwich City this weekend.
Leeds face a big playoff clash.
The Whites will face the Canaries at Carrow Road on Sunday lunchtime, in their biggest game of the season so far.
Leeds nearly missed out on direct promotion to the Premier League, so they now face the drama and unpredictability of the playoffs, which promise to be a nerve-racking pair of games. The return leg is scheduled for next Thursday at Elland Road, with Farke’s team hoping to advance to the final at Wembley.
The Whites have injury concerns as they prepare for a busy day at work, with Daniel James and Patrick Bamford among those who are questionable for Sunday’s encounter.
Pascal Struijk is a long-term injury absentee for Leeds, having not played for the club since a 2-1 Championship defeat at Preston on Boxing Day, and a critical update on his current fitness position has emerged.
Farke announces major Leeds injury news.
In his pre-match press conference [via Leeds Live], Farke said that James “has a chance” to play for Leeds against Norwich, although Bamford is definitely unavailable for both legs.
“Daniel James is making good progress.” He’s getting closer and closer. Participated in several aspects of team training. Tight race, but with a chance. Depends on the following 48 hours. Perhaps he is a possibility. Not ready for 90, but there is an opportunity to travel. Patrick will undoubtedly miss both legs. I saw a different knee consultant. “New diagnosis: mini-trauma in his patellar tendon.”
This is a much-needed lift for Leeds ahead of their trip to Norwich, even if James is far from certain to feature extensively at Carrow Road. Having him accessible in any form feels big, especially given his stellar season.
£50,000 per week The Welshman has 13 goals and seven assists in the Championship in 2023/24, and Farke thinks highly of him, stating after his goal against Hull City last month: “It was also a significant and important goal, which is even more important. His loyalty to our team is unparalleled.” “He constantly works hard. He had to help our full-backs, and he did an excellent job against the ball, could have assisted, and had one or two decent opportunities.”
Bamford’s absence is undoubtedly a significant loss, even though the striker has been chastised for missing big chances at times, especially given his experience and ability to produce individual brilliance, as seen by an incredible FA Cup strike at Peterborough United.
If Leeds can get James on the field, it will help compensate for the loss of Bamford, as his pace and improved end product have the potential to turn a game in an instant.
