Big Leeds United boost as Daniel Farke names Whites team at Sunderland where star returns; pair out

Leeds United have received a big boost for Sunday’s return to Premier League action at Sunderland where a star returns amid a big Black Cats injury blow.

Whites boss Daniel Farke has named the same XI that lined up for last weekend’s hosting of Crystal Palace but has also been boosted by the return of striker Lukas Nmecha to the bench.

Sunderland, though, have lost commanding centre-half Dan Ballard to injury, forcing a big change to the Black Cats side.

Farke made one change to his team for last weekend’s hosting of Crystal Palace for which Brenden Aaronson was restored to the starting line-up in midfield as Ao Tanaka dropped to the bench.

Aaronson consequently impressed supporting front pair Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor as as Leeds excelled on their way to a brilliant 4-1 victory.

Okafor again took his place in the front line as Lukas Nmecha missed a third game in a row with a hamstring injury suffered on the back of the 3-1 win at home to Chelsea at the start of the month.

Speaking at Tuesday’s pre-Sunderland press conference, Farke said there was a “small chance” of Nmecha being involved against the Black Cats having made progress since.

Farke was hoping to have the striker back in team training at some point this week and said the German could be a topic for selection if coming through those sessions and the forward takes his place back on the bench.

Sean Longstaff (calf) and Dan James (hamstring) both remain out.

Sunderland, meanwhile, have been dealt a big unexpected blow in losing centre-back Ballard to an injury blow.

The commanding defender suffered a kick to his ankle in last weekend’s draw at Brighton and has been replaced in the starting line-up by Dennis Cirkin.

Leeds United vs Sunderland: Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Ampadu, Stach, Aaronson; Okafor, Calvert-Lewin. Subs: Darlow, Justin, Bornauw, Gruev, Tanaka, Harrison, Gnonto, Piroe, Nmecha.