Daniel Farke had little reason to expect one of his substitutes to decide Saturday’s meeting with Tottenham, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding his availability in the build-up to the game.
Leeds United were preparing for a difficult afternoon against a Spurs side that had won their previous three matches. But the manager had one potential option whose involvement had looked increasingly unlikely as the week progressed. In the end, he needed only minutes to make the difference.
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Farke reveals medical team’s warning over Okafor
Farke has revealed that Leeds’ medical department initially believed Noah Okafor had no chance of featuring against Tottenham because of an ongoing adductor problem.
The Switzerland international had already struggled after playing 70 minutes against Manchester United, and the issue continued in the days that followed.
“We have played him relatively long for his standard against Man Utd, 70 minutes, and since then he was always struggling with adductor problems”, Farke explained.
“Beginning of the week the doctor said no chance to involve him, but credit to our medical department and Noah, he’s been so disciplined working to be available.”
Okafor eventually made the squad, but his involvement was always going to be carefully managed. Farke said the medical team had made it clear that the forward could not be asked to play for too long.
“The medical department said you have to make sure you stay disciplined and can’t bring him on longer than 15 or 20 minutes; this is what the muscle can handle”, the Leeds boss added.
Okafor needs just three touches to win it for Leeds
Farke stuck to that plan, introducing Okafor in the 77th minute with the game still goalless.
Two minutes later, the forward delivered the decisive moment, finding the net with his third touch of the match to give Leeds a 1-0 victory at Elland Road.
It was an extraordinary return given how close he had come to missing the fixture altogether. Leeds had been forced to manage his fitness carefully, but the gamble of having him available from the bench paid off spectacularly.
For Farke, it was also a reminder of the importance of having players ready to make an impact even when they cannot be trusted with a full appearance. Okafor’s contribution lasted only a few minutes, but it was enough to settle a huge game for Leeds.
