Leeds dealt new injury blow ahead of Crystal Palace as official update given

Leeds will attempt to protect their unbeaten Premier League record when Crystal Palace arrive at Elland Road on Sunday.

Daniel Farke’s team have made one of the most eye-catching starts in the division, collecting eight points from four matches and climbing to third after Monday night’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle.

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The scoreline didn’t flatter Leeds, playing with pace, power and confidence, racing into a three-goal lead before half-time and refusing to give Newcastle any route back into the contest.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin led the line superbly, while Jayden Bogle and Noah Okafor also played important roles.

Maintaining that intensity will be the challenge against Palace.

The visitors have struggled for consistency in the league under Pierre Sage, who has already attracted criticism behind-the-scenes, losing 3-2 at home to Ipswich last weekend, but they received a major lift in Europe on Thursday.

Palace swept Lech Poznan aside 4-0, with Yeremy Pino, Chris Richards, Jørgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah all scoring.

It was their best performance of the season and a warning that their attacking players can punish Leeds if given the space.

However, Palace’s short turnaround could work in the hosts’ favour.

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Leeds have had almost a full week to recover from the Newcastle victory, while the Eagles must travel north only a few days after their Europa League fixture.

Farke will still have to make at least one important change after confirming that Harry Wilson has been ruled out with a quad problem.

Daniel Farke confirms Harry Wilson blow before Leeds face Crystal Palace

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The Wales international felt discomfort following the Newcastle game and will not be available this weekend.

Joe Rodon also remains sidelined, although Ilia Gruev is back in contention after building up his fitness with the Under-21s.

Wilson’s absence is a frustrating setback because he offers Leeds a different type of threat in the final third.

His left foot, delivery from wide areas and ability to drift into central positions have given Farke another way to unlock opponents.

The ‘incredible‘ 29-year-old joined Leeds on a four-year contract after leaving Fulham during the summer. He arrived following an impressive campaign in which he scored 11 times in 41 appearances, making him one of the club’s most reliable sources of goals from midfield and wide positions.

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Leeds have enough depth to adjust, with Okafor full of confidence after scoring against Newcastle, while Daniel James can provide directness and width.

Brenden Aaronson and Wilfried Gnonto are further options if Farke wants greater movement between the lines.

Wilson may be particularly missed from set-pieces, an area where Palace possess plenty of height and physical strength, and Leeds will need to make good use of their own dead-ball opportunities while also avoiding needless fouls around the penalty area.

Even without Wilson and Rodon, Leeds should approach the game believing they can win it.

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Their early-season form has been built on more than enthusiasm.

Farke’s side look organised, adaptable and increasingly dangerous in attack, with plenty in their locker to come away from Sunday with all three points.