Leeds United are facing a number of injury concerns ahead of their trip to Sunderland.
The Whites have enjoyed an excellent start to the season and will be looking to continue their impressive form when they travel to a Sunderland side who have struggled to replicate their stunning performances from last season.
Black Cats defender Nordi Mukiele recently admitted that the Black Cats had “become arrogant” following their success last term, although they have enjoyed better fortunes in the Europa League, recording two wins before a draw against Lech Poznan on Thursday.
In truth, Leeds’ remarkable turnaround can be traced back to the middle of last season, when Farke switched to a system featuring three central defenders.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards recently praised Farke’s approach.
“Noah Okafor plays in the number 10 but drifts to the left and then goes forward. Calvert-Lewin holds it up so well. His hold-up play is underrated. I also love the relationship between Jayden Bogle and James Justin down the right-hand side. Sometimes one will go and one will stay, and vice-versa.
“Tarik Muharemovic has been class; really, really good. Farke’s got the balance absolutely right between the running power, confidence in the players and the way they take the game to anyone they play. They don’t deviate away from what they want to do which makes them such a good watch.”
Daniel Farke confirms Leeds injury concerns ahead of Sunderland clash
However, Farke could now be forced into changes to his successful system, with Okafor among three attacking players facing a race to be fit for Sunday’s encounter.
The Switzerland international, alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anton Stach, picked up injuries during Leeds’ most recent meeting with Manchester United.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Farke revealed that all three remain doubtful, with the manager particularly cautious about Okafor’s muscular issue.
Calvert-Lewin and Stach have each been struggling with a foot problem, but both are a case of pain management while Okafor’s adductor injury could require a more careful approach.
“And Noah Okafor is struggling with some adductor problems after the last game. It is different when you have a muscle injury like Noah,” Farke said. “You have to be perhaps even a bit more careful in terms of minutes. If the game would be today, all three wouldn’t be available.”
With Joe Rodon also out, Leeds could be without four important first-team players as they prepare for the trip to Wearside.
But there is at least some encouraging news for Farke, who could finally welcome Daniel James back into his starting plans.
Daniel James could make first Premier League start of the season
The Leeds manager confirmed that James has completed a full week of training and is available for selection, potentially offering the Whites a timely attacking boost.
“Daniel [James] had his first full training week. He is definitely also in contention for this game.”
James has yet to start a Premier League match this season after struggling with a persistent back injury, but Sunday’s encounter could present an opportunity for the Wales international to make his long-awaited return to the starting XI.
While Okafor has flourished in a role that allows him to drift inside and link up with his teammates, James would offer Farke a different attacking weapon.
The 28-year-old’s explosive pace and willingness to make runs behind opposition defences could prove particularly useful, with former Wales teammate Gareth Bale previously explaining just how dangerous the winger can be.
“Dan’s speed is frightening. When we can unleash him on the counter-attack, he gives us an entirely different dimension as a team.”
That ability to stretch defences could give Leeds another route to goal against Sunderland, even if James is not a direct replacement for Okafor in Farke’s current system.
With several important players facing late fitness tests, the German may have little choice but to ring the changes on Sunday.
