Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has confirmed that winger Daniel James faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury in training. The news comes as a major setback for both club and country, with James also forced to withdraw from Wales’ upcoming international fixtures under Craig Bellamy.
“I have to confirm that Dan James will be out for a few weeks,” Daniel Farke told reporters. “He rolled his ankle in training, so the doctors say he is likely out for four to six weeks. That means realistically we would expect him back after the November international break. Perhaps before for one or two games, which would be a nice little bonus and surprise. But he’s definitely out for a few weeks, which is of course not great news.”
James’ absence adds to a growing list of fitness concerns for Leeds. Willy Gnonto will also miss Saturday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham due to a persistent calf problem. The Italian forward has yet to return to full training and is expected back only after the international break.
“Willy Gnonto will also miss this game,” Daniel Farke continued. “His calf problem is not sorted and he’s not back in team training. He will be back after this coming international break, so not available for this Tottenham fixture.”
There are further doubts over young forward Harry Gray, who is battling discomfort in his hip flexor. Farke admitted the teenager remains a doubt: “A few question marks around Harry Gray because he reported some problems with his hip flexor. Not sure at the moment if he will make it to be ready for Saturday.”
On a more positive note, goalkeeper Lucas Perin has returned to full training after a spell on the sidelines. While the upcoming clash with Spurs will come too soon, Farke is confident the Frenchman will be available after the international break.
“Some good news is that Lucas Perin is back in team training since yesterday,” he said. “It’s too early to involve him for this game but I think the international break will be beneficial. We have two more weeks of training and I expect him back on the other side of the international break.”
With injuries stacking up, Daniel Farke will need to rely on squad depth as Leeds look to navigate a challenging run of fixtures.
