Leeds United are on a great run, having progressed to the next round of the FA Cup. They return to Premier League action this weekend, where they have a very difficult game away from home.
Daniel Farke’s side is up against Aston Villa, who are pushing for a place in Europe. The Villans are one of the best home teams in the league this season, with only Manchester City and Arsenal having more points than them.
Leeds will be buoyed by the fact that they came from two goals down to pick up a point away from home to Chelsea in a dramatic game at Stamford Bridge.
Noah Okafor to miss Aston Villa clash
Unfortunately, Daniel Farke has been dealt a huge blow ahead of the match as Noah Okafor has been ruled out with an injury. The winger went off against Birmingham City in the FA Cup with an injury. Farke has confirmed the timeline for the winger’s absence:
”Noah Okafor suffered a hamstring injury in the cup game. He will be out for between two and four weeks.
”It’s too early to judge but he will definitely miss Villa and Man City.”
Okafor had two goals and an assist in his last two games, including coming off the bench to grab a crucial one in the draw against Chelsea. His absence will definitely be felt over the weekend.
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Huge blow for Leeds United
Noah Okafor has been in great form over the past few weeks. Daniel Farke praised the winger for his attitude in training when he scored against Nottingham Forest. Okafor just brings a different dimension to the attack. Unlike with Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin, he is not a focal point nor does he link play; rather he stretches the defence which is a very powerful ability.
Him coming on at Stamford Bridge completely changed the game the last time out; the team had an out ball every time they went on the counter attack. Losing Noah Okafor at this time is unfortunate; Leeds play Aston Villa and Manchester City in successive games – two teams who like to have the ball. Daniel Farke would have definitely liked to have the winger around in games where his team absorb pressure and play on the counter.
