Daniel Farke has shared an injury update on Dan James ahead of Leeds United’s trip to Queens Park Rangers tomorrow.
James picked up an issue in the closing stages of Leeds’ 4-3 win at Middlesbrough on Monday, having only come off the bench to replace Willy Gnonto in the final 10 minutes.
The 26-year-old was seen holding his core area after a challenge down the right and could barely move in stoppage time, but did stay on to help Leeds see through the victory.
Leeds then confirmed in an official statement earlier this week that James is a definite absentee for tomorrow’s game in West London, having suffered a costal cartilage injury and oblique abdominal muscle tear.
James has been a good super sub in recent weeks for Leeds and so he will be a big blow for the game tomorrow night if the Whites are looking to see out the win.
Farke shares whether James will miss rest of season for Leeds
QPR represents Leeds’ penultimate game of the season with the promotion race now at crunch time in the Championship.
After tomorrow night, Leeds’ only remaining league fixture is Southampton at Elland Road, and that is looking like it could be monumental game for Farke’s side.
Every player in his squad will be itching to be fit for the final day of the season, and speaking in his pre-match press conference, Farke has shared an update on whether James will be fit.
He said: “Normally, with James’s injury you are out for two to three weeks. Twelve days. Normally. Bit of hope still. Our medical team are working 24 hours a day to make him available for the last game. Realistic to say he will probably miss the game, but a nice surprise if he does make it.”
Leeds, of course, could still be in play-off action if the next two matches do not go to plan, and so hopefully he will be fit for that if that is what ends up happening.
Jaidon Anthony could now step up for Leeds
If things are not going well for Leeds’ first choice wingers Crysencio Summerville and Gnonto, James has often been the first port of call for Farke.
However, with him out, that could open up a window of opportunity for Jaidon Anthony, who has barely been used in recent weeks.
Anthony is expected to return to Bournemouth at the end of the season but he will be eager to leave a lasting impression at Elland Road before he does.