Daniel Farke has shared an injury update on his Leeds United squad ahead of Sunday’s play-off semi-final with Norwich City.
Farke will be leading the Whites to his former stomping ground Carrow Road looking to secure a positive first leg result ahead of next Thursday’s return fixture at Elland Road.
Leeds completed a league double over Norwich during the regular season, but ultimately, that will count for little here. They will also have to be much better than they have been in recent weeks.
A run of four defeats in their last six matches meant Leeds were forced to settle for a place in the play-offs and no side in Championship history has ever gone onto win them after such a run.
Leeds supporters are not overly confident of their side’s chances heading into it but this new injury update from Farke could be the boost they need.
Farke shares major injury update on Dan James ahead of Leeds vs Norwich
Leeds were beaten 2-1 by Southampton on the final day of the season last Saturday and were without four players amid a return for Connor Roberts.
As everyone is aware, both Stuart Dallas and Pascal Struijk will play no part in the play-offs, while Patrick Bamford and Dan James were also absent against the Saints.
Both players have missed Leeds’ last two matches after picking up injuries in the 4-3 win at Middlesbrough, leaving Farke a little short of options from the bench in attack.
But Farke had some positive news to bring in his press conference earlier this afternoon, with James having a chance of being available.
He said: “Daniel James is making good progress. He’s coming closer and closer. Joined in with parts of team training. Tight race, but has a chance. Depends on the next 48 hours. Could be he is an option. Not ready for 90, but an option to travel.”
Predicted Leeds XI to face Norwich on Sunday
It is difficult to see Farke making wholesale changes to his starting XI at this point of the season, even after such a poor run of form.
Having returned from the bench last week, Roberts could come in for his first start in almost a month, providing a wealth of Championship experience at right-back.
Joel Piroe is likely to lead the line again after getting on the scoresheet against Southampton. He was abysmal in Leeds’ last away game, though, and will need to be better here.
Should the ‘electric’ James be back fit, his return to the bench would be a huge boost against tired bodies late on in the matches.