Leeds United kick-off their next Premier League clash at Sunderland in around 48 hours but have been shaken by some worrying injury news. Daniel Farke held his pre-game press conference on Friday afternoon, during which he revealed a trio of fresh fitness issues for three of his most important attacking players.
Rumours of a foot injury for Dominic Calvert-Lewin were confirmed, the striker on the receiving end of a painful tackle during last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United. In addition, Farke revealed both Anton Stach and Noah Okafor had missed several training sessions in the week.
The triple injury update comes as a potentially huge blow for Leeds at a time where hosts Sunderland are due to welcome back a key striker of their own. Below, the YEP rounds up the latest injury and team news ahead of that Sunday-evening trip to the Stadium of Light.
7. OUT: Mateo Joseph
Joseph has been out of action since April after suffering an ACL injury while on loan at RCD Mallorca. The young striker's path to recovery has been slow and steady and he isn't expected to play a part in Daniel Farke's plans this season regardless. | Rafa Babot/Getty Images
8. OUT: Joe Rodon
Come Sunday it will have been eight weeks out for Rodon due to a hamstring injury but a return at Sunderland still feels unlikely. Last week, Farke said the Welshman was making 'good progress' but hadn't been in team training and he remains out for this weekend.
9. DOUBT: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The first of three potentially massive blows for Leeds, with Farke confirming rumours of a Calvert-Lewin injury. The striker bruised his foot after a tackle last weekend and is yet to train with the group. With two days until the game there is still chance but he's a major doubt. | Steve Riding
10. DOUBT: Anton Stach
Stach is also suffering with a bruised foot and joins Calvert-Lewin on the major doubt list. Farke said on Friday it's about managing pain for the pair, rather than a muscular injury, but the midfielder is also yet to train with the group. | Steve Riding
11. DOUBT: Noah Okafor
Big blow number three from Friday's press conference, with Farke revealing his Swiss winger has some adductor problems. Again, he is not currently training with the group and muscle injuries are a more delicate situation to manage. Given the nature of the injury, Okafor feels the least likely to feature. | Getty Images
12. EXPECTED BACK: Daniel James
Speedy winger James has missed two games with a back injury, although he was in contention to return at home to former club Manchester United on Sunday. Back in team training and could make his return to the matchday squad on Sunday.