Leeds United set to be handed a massive boost after the club revealed a massive nod to a player’s return on Friday morning. Daniel Farke could make the shock decision to start him against Oxford United.
The Preston game was sort of an eye opener for Leeds fans. During the game, the team created 6 big chances and had 20 shots over 90 minutes but managed to score just two goals. The second half was particularly wasteful as the team managed to miss some sitters when the score was 2-1 and Preston could have come back into the game.
Joel Piroe was especially guilty of missing easy chances last weekend. The striker is yet to beat his goal tally from last season, with four games to go.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 Leeds United players from the 2000s?
Leeds United man could return ahead of schedule
Arguably Leeds’ best performer over the last month or so has been Dan James. The winger has been popping up with crucial goals, including the one against Middlesbrough that snapped the three-game winless run. However, in that same game, James went off with a hamstring problem.
He missed the Preston game, with Daniel Farke putting his return around Easter. On Friday morning, Leeds United posted a video from the last training session on Thursday. Dan James can be seen actively participating with the group, with the winger looking very sharp.
There is every chance he features on Friday night even if he does not start.
Daniel Farke does not need to risk Dan James
Credit: Imago Images
Farke himself admitted that Friday may come too early for the winger, and that Monday’s game is a more realistic timeline:
“Joe Rothwell will definitely miss this weekend’s game. We hope to have him available for the last home game against Bristol City. With Dan James, it looks slightly better.
“It is fair to say at this stage we will probably have him available for the Monday game. If he can play against Oxford? Late decision. Likely, he is available on Monday, trying everything we can.”
Leeds need to make the right decision and give James some rest. The team were able to beat Preston, so it is very possible they can win against Oxford United too. No need to risk a key player on Friday when there is another game just over 72 hours on Monday.
