Leeds United are set to take on Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, with one key player out of the game.
In the build up to the match, Daniel Farke mentioned that some of his players were feeling better after picking up knocks before the Sunderland game last week.
Anton Stach, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were all doubts for that game. But Calvert-Lewin did manage to start, while Stach could only make the bench. Okafor came on and was only able to play 25 minutes.
The Whites are looking to get their first win since beating Newcastle at Elland Road last month.
Noah Okafor’s absence from Leeds squad explained
Noah Okafor
Credit: Imago
Bournemouth line up similar to the team that beat Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford. Evanilson leads the line with a trio of Rayan, Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavenier in support.
Former Leeds midfielder Tyler Adams starts; this week Adam Pope revealed that the club could have seen the best of the American if he was fit.
Leeds made changes of their own before this afternoon’s game; Nico Elvedi returns to the backline as Bijol moves to the bench.
And in a surprise move, Farke has decided to trust Dan James to play at the Vitality Stadium.
One name missing from the squad list was Noah Okafor, who Farke said was doing well in the build up to the game. Beren Cross has shared an update on why the winger is absent from today’s match. Per club sources, Okafor felt something in his adductor in Friday’s session.
Leeds indicating Okafor felt pain in his adductor during yesterday’s final session. One they will monitor over the days ahead. #lufc
— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) October 31, 2026
He misses this match and will be monitored over the next few days.
READ MORE: Farke may have just revealed what lies ahead for £25m Leeds star
Whites are already lacking depth
Noah Okafor possibly being out for a while is not a good sign for Leeds; they do not have much on the bench when it comes to attacking depth. Outside Okafor, it is just Dan James and Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
Harry Wilson and Brenden Aaronson can fill in the role, but the would not be in their natural position.
With the club also having issues putting the ball in the back of the net, they would want one of their top scorers from last season to be available. Fans should hope it is nothig serious and that he can return soon.
