Daniel Farke shared a worrying injury update on one of his key Leeds United players after last night’s win at Middlesbrough.
The Whites returned to winning ways with a dramatic 4-3 victory at the Riverside in which they forced to soak up an enormous amount of pressure in stoppage time.
Boro had taken the lead early on through Isaiah Jones’ goal but Leeds showed their character to turn the game on its head immediately thanks to goals from Crysencio Summerville and Patrick Bamford.
Emmanuel Latte Lath then got the hosts back on level terms but it was Leeds who were ahead at the break courtesy of Willy Gnonto’s goal, who latched onto a Summerville through ball having been begging to be played through.
Summerville had looked as though he’d sealed all three points with a special goal just after the half-hour mark, but Latte Lath’s impressive header set up a nail-biting finish which Leeds saw out.
Farke now has worrying injury update on James after Leeds win
It was not all good news for Leeds last night, though, as substitute Dan James picked up what looked to be a painful injury.
James had only come off the bench in the final 10 minutes but could barely move in stoppage time after a challenge down the right flank, holding his core/rib area.
The 26-year-old has proved to be a good super sub for Leeds in recent months but with such a tight turnaround until Friday’s trip to QPR, his availability is now in doubt.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Farke revealed that Joe Rodon looks fine despite holding his calf, but there is a much ‘bigger concern’ around his Welsh teammate.
“Not so much Joe Rodon, just a hit on his calf. Daniel James a bigger concern because it could his core muscle. Bad news if it’s a major injury.”
James injury could open Jaidon Anthony door
Jaidon Anthony looks set to return to Bournemouth after his loan spell at Leeds comes to an end, but there could be an opportunity for him over the next couple of weeks.
Anthony has been under used by Farke recently having fallen very much to fourth choice winger, but he has shown what he can do in some of his appearances, such as at Chelsea.
There is no way he will be dislodging either Summerville or Gnonto in the XI, but with no James, he could now be Farke’s go-too from the bench.