Leeds United are ready to face Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday in a big Premier League game expected to make headlines for days.
Manchester United are struggling and limping after their worst start to a league campaign in 40 years, and their internal divisions came out in the open after the Atletico Madrid defeat on Tuesday night.
Leeds United’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season ended at the Emirates last weekend. But they pushed Arsenal all the way in a 2-1 defeat.
However, Danie Farke has a few squad issues and is sweating over the fitness of a couple of players ahead of Sunday’s Manchester United clash.
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Leeds star hopes to be fit to face Man United
Dan James missed the defeat at Arsenal with a back injury, and his fitness ahead of Sunday’s Manchester United clash is in doubt.
The manager is expected to provide a fitness update on James later today. However, the Welshman has hinted he could be available against his former team at Elland Road.
He stressed that he is working hard to be fit to face Manchester United, and conceded that he does not feel great watching games, knowing he cannot make an impact because of injuries.
“I’m working hard, and we’ll see how the next few days go, really”, the winger said on Radio X.
“The weekends are the best things. To play in front of the fans is amazing, and especially last season I missed out on a lot of games.
“It is hard to watch – you want to cheer your team on, but it is hard to watch knowing you can’t influence the game.”
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The Welshman has become a peripheral figure at Elland Road
Dan James has drifted towards the fringes at Leeds United, and his injury problems have hardly helped.
Not so long ago, his pace and direct running made him a useful option for Daniel Farke, particularly when Leeds needed someone to stretch defences and create space for others.
Now, though, his role looks far less prominent. Competition has increased, and Farke has other options when deciding how to set up his attack. James has struggled to build momentum, with fitness issues interrupting his attempts to return to the picture.
His speed remains a valuable weapon, but that alone will not guarantee him regular minutes. Leeds need players who can stay fit and contribute consistently, especially in the Premier League.
James still has time to work his way back into Farke’s plans, but he needs a run of games to remind everyone what he brings. Until then, he risks becoming a peripheral figure at Elland Road.
As it happens I appreciate the talents of Dan James more than most but due to prolonged absences referring to him as a key man unlocks a bit of amusement.