Daniel Farke confirms big Leeds United injury boost with return hope for Sunderland clash
Leeds United's final Premier League game of 2025 takes them to the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
Daniel Farke has confirmed Lukas Nmecha is in with a chance of returning to the Leeds United squad for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest.
Nmecha has missed Leeds’ last three games due to a hamstring injury which has been dealt with week-by-week. The 27-year-old was still ‘symptomatic’ heading into last weekend’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace and will be carefully managed, given previous fitness issues.
The free agent striker, who is on four goals for the season, is expected to return to some team training this week. There are still several days before Leeds head to the Stadium of Light but Farke hopes to have his squad strengthened by the striker’s return.
“There is a small chance for Lukas Nmecha to be involved,” Farke said. “There is some progress, I hope to have him at some point this week back in team training and if he comes through these sessions, he could definitely be a topic for the squad.
“He could travel with us. He’s the only one from the long-term injuries who could feature in this game.”
Sean Longstaff hasn’t featured since November’s 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa after picking up a calf injury. The energetic midfielder was initially given a prognosis of four-to-six weeks, with Sunderland on Sunday marking five weeks and the middle point of that potential timeline.
Daniel James remains sidelined for the foreseeable with a hamstring tendon injury he suffered at Manchester City almost a month ago. Farke confirmed last week his Welsh winger would not require surgery but is still looking at several weeks before he can even return to training.
Speaking on the pair of long-term absences ahead of Sunderland, Farke said: “No chance for Sean [Longstaff to be involved]], also not obviously for Daniel James.”
Leeds will be 16th on Christmas Day and are guaranteed to kick-off at the Stadium of Light with at least a three-point gap on West Ham in the final relegation place. The Hammers host Fulham on Saturday December 27, with 17th-placed Nottingham Forest at home to Manchester City.