Leeds United have just under two weeks until they return to Premier League action at home to Aston Villa on Sunday, November 23. Daniel Farke’s side are just one point above the relegation zone going into the final international break of 2025 following consecutive away defeats at Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
A number of first-team players have now jetted off for international duty but Farke has the best part of a fortnight to work on Leeds’ problems, while those currently out injured have time to build fitness without the demand of a game this weekend. The treatment room at Thorp Arch has been relatively quiet in recent weeks with only two absentees at Forest.
Villa are also looking good in terms of squad fitness but were without some first-team options for their 4-0 thumping of Bournemouth last weekend. Below is the latest injury and team news from both sides as early focus turns to next weekend’s Elland Road meeting.
13. INJURY SCARE: Gabriel Gudmundsson (continued)
Speaking over the weekend, Sweden boss Graham Potter said of the Leeds man: "He's had a tough week dealing with an injury. It hasn't been easy but he's an honest player. He wants the team to play well. It's part of life and we move on and support him.” | Steven Paston/PA Wire
.jpeg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
14. START HOPE: Daniel James
Returned very early from an ankle injury last month but four appearances since have all come from the bench. Farke suggested the decision to keep James on the bench at Forest was a tactical one rather than anything fitness-related, and the winger has since played twice for Wales. | Getty Images
15. START HOPE: Daniel James (continued)
Farke said of James on Sunday: “Yes, in terms of his fitness, I would say he is also back and able to start a game. But also to make sure that we find always a good balance between creators and also players who are perhaps a bit more straightforward in order to use perhaps either their pace or to score themselves. He has all chances to impress in training, he has all chances to use his chances when he comes on and then we always try to find the good balance and the right decisions for the oppositions." Photo: Clive Rose