Leeds United suffered two new injury concerns in their win over Norwich City as Daniel Farke’s team prepare to take a break from their Championship promotion push
After what could prove to be a pivotal week in the Championship promotion race, it looks increasingly likely that Daniel Farke will rotate his squad for their forthcoming FA Cup fourth round tie with Plymouth Argyle. The Whites enter the clash on the back of a five-match winning run.
But reaching the latter stages of the FA Cup is not high on United’s agenda. Their top objective is securing promotion back to the Premier League.
Expect Farke to rest a number of his big guns for Saturday’s Elland Road meeting with the Pilgrims. Glen Kamara, Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville and Patrick Bamford could all be given a breather as United look to continue their strong home form.
Here is the latest injury news from the Thorp Arch treatment room and possible return dates for the players who are currently sidelined:
Dan James
The winger, a key figure in their promotion tilt, was withdrawn at half-time of Wednesday’s win over Norwich City due to a hip problem. James, a Wales international, provided the assist for Patrick Bamford’s winning header.
Return date: February
What Daniel Farke has said: “Daniel James sadly, I had to substitute him because at the half-time whistle he overstretched his hip flexor.
“I think it’s a little strain. I hope it’s not too bad. I think he will definitely be out for the FA Cup game at the weekend, but hope he can return to training soon because we need him. He’s in brilliant shape.”
Archie Gray
The talented teenager had to be taken off late on against the Canaries after suffering a knock to his knee. Gray, who recently penned a new long-term contract, has played in variety of positions this season.
Return date: Possibly Bristol City
What Farke said: “Archie Gray, in the beginning, I was concerned because he had a hit against his knee and overstretched it and was panicking a little bit.
“He was fearing something with the ligament and had to limp off. After the first assessment I’m carefully optimistic. It seems like ACL ligaments are OK and it’s more or less just a hit. We have to wait for further assessment, but I’m carefully optimistic it’s not a long-term injury.”
Wilfried Gnonto
Gnonto, reportedly attracting the interest of West Ham United, has sat-out their last two fixtures because of a hip problem. The Italy international has struggled to cement a regular place in the starting XI this season.
Return date: Plymouth
What Farke said ahead of Norwich: “We try to bring him first time back into team training, he was sadly out for last 12 days, we’ll make a late decision, definitely not for the starting line-up. I expect him latest to be back for the FA Cup game on Saturday.”
Pascal Struijk
United have been unable to call upon the Dutch defender since the Boxing Day defeat at Preston North End. Struijk has been struggling to shake off an adductor problem.
Return date: February
What Farke said ahead of Norwich: “We will assess him also over next next days pretty pretty carefully, so hopefully he can return soon and then it would also ease up a bit on the centre-back position our situation. We have to for what the next days will bring because actually, we were hoping that he would return after a light problem pretty soon but meanwhile it’s been four and a half weeks. We can’t be naïve, we also have to assess each and every day what happens with this position.”
Karl Darlow
The goalkeeper, who has largely provided cover for No 1 Illan Meslier since arriving from Newcastle United, remains unavailable for selection as he recovers from a dislocated thumb.
“I think it’s a little strain. I hope it’s not too bad. I think he will definitely be out for the FA Cup game at the weekend, but hope he can return to training soon because we need him. He’s in brilliant shape.”
Archie Gray
The talented teenager had to be taken off late on against the Canaries after suffering a knock to his knee. Gray, who recently penned a new long-term contract, has played in variety of positions this season.
Return date: Possibly Bristol City
What Farke said: “Archie Gray, in the beginning, I was concerned because he had a hit against his knee and overstretched it and was panicking a little bit.
“He was fearing something with the ligament and had to limp off. After the first assessment I’m carefully optimistic. It seems like ACL ligaments are OK and it’s more or less just a hit. We have to wait for further assessment, but I’m carefully optimistic it’s not a long-term injury.”
Wilfried Gnonto
Gnonto, reportedly attracting the interest of West Ham United, has sat-out their last two fixtures because of a hip problem. The Italy international has struggled to cement a regular place in the starting XI this season.
Return date: Plymouth
What Farke said ahead of Norwich: “We try to bring him first time back into team training, he was sadly out for last 12 days, we’ll make a late decision, definitely not for the starting line-up. I expect him latest to be back for the FA Cup game on Saturday.”
Pascal Struijk
United have been unable to call upon the Dutch defender since the Boxing Day defeat at Preston North End. Struijk has been struggling to shake off an adductor problem.
Return date: February
What Farke said ahead of Norwich: “We will assess him also over next next days pretty pretty carefully, so hopefully he can return soon and then it would also ease up a bit on the centre-back position our situation. We have to for what the next days will bring because actually, we were hoping that he would return after a light problem pretty soon but meanwhile it’s been four and a half weeks. We can’t be naïve, we also have to assess each and every day what happens with this position.”
Karl Darlow
The goalkeeper, who has largely provided cover for No 1 Illan Meslier since arriving from Newcastle United, remains unavailable for selection as he recovers from a dislocated thumb.
