Every word Daniel Farke said on Dan James injury, Anton Stach return, formation changes and Chelsea

Leeds United welcome Chelsea to Elland Road on Wednesday evening and ahead of that big Premier League clash, Daniel Farke will hold his pre-game press conference today.

The Whites lost 3-2 at Manchester City last time out but will take heart from a spirited second-half performance at the Etihad. Goals from substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha pulled back a two-goal deficit and looked set to earn Leeds a massive point, but for Phil Foden’s added-time winner.

Defeat leaves Farke’s side in the bottom three, below West Ham on goals scored, but they can climb to safety with a result on Wednesday with the Hammers playing Manchester United 24 hours later. Opponents Chelsea sit third after a 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Sunday, although they will be without the suspended Moises Caicedo.

Farke will be expected to provide an update on the state of his squad this afternoon, namely Daniel James who was substituted at half-time last weekend thanks in part to a change of formation. The Welsh winger did suffer a hamstring injury, however, and is therefore a doubt to face Chelsea in what could be his second period of absence this season.

Anton Stach is also a major doubt for Wednesday having suffered a concussion during last month’s 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa. The German midfielder is currently undergoing strict protocols for such an injury and must pass a number of tests to be considered ready for a return to play.

Sebastiaan Bornauw also missed Saturday’s defeat at City with a minor knee problem while James Justin, who replaced Gabriel Gudmundsson at left-back, picked up a knock before a pre-planned substitution. Farke will provide an update on all four midweek doubts and any potential fresh fitness issues.

Daniel Farke on Leeds United formation change and Chelsea

The major talking point from Saturday’s defeat was the half-time switch to a 3-5-2 formation and despite Farke insisting it was not the be all and end all, that topic will undoubtedly come up again this afternoon. As will Leeds’ successful move to a more direct style of play and whether the same tactics could cause problems for technically superior Chelsea outfit.

Leeds will have an opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone this evening, for 24 hours at the least, and with two home games to come they need points even against top sides like Chelsea and Liverpool. Expect Farke to speak about the importance of a united Elland Road and his side’s chances of climbing to safety before the week is out.

Farke might also get the chance to share his thoughts on Enzo Maresca, a one-time Championship promotion rival during the 2023/24 campaign. The Italian was in charge of Leicester City and twice lost against Leeds that season before pipping them to promotion and then moving on to Chelsea.

Daniel Farke is due to take his seat at Thorp Arch at around 1.30pm. Stay tuned for live updates below...