Daniel Farke says Leeds United player has had surgery and Noah Okafor a doubt for Burnley
The Championship’s two automatically promoted teams square off as Leeds United returns to play on Saturday afternoon against Burnley in a titanic Premier League match. There are indications that all three of the promoted teams will defy the increasing pattern of teams rising from the Championship and then falling back down.
All six of the earlier ones have been demoted. However, Leeds is still above the point-per-game threshold with eight points after seven games, while Sunderland has already earned 11 points from their first seven.
Despite having a very difficult start, Burnley has four. Additionally, Scott Parker’s men have been competitive. In addition to playing Tottenham, Manchester City, and Aston Villa, the Clarets have only lost to Liverpool and Manchester United due to injury-time winners.
Daniel Farke gestures during Leeds United FC v Burnley FC – Sky Bet Championship
Ahead of the Burnley match, Daniel Farke gives an injury update. Leeds supporters were informed that Dan James will not be present at the press conference. Willy Gnonto and Lucas Perri were supposed to return, but the winger is anticipated to be sidelined until after the November break. Farke has now provided an update on his team’s injury situation.
He claims that Lucas Perri has returned, but Willy Gnonto and Harry Gray are not accessible. Dan James might play, but Noah Okafor is doubtful.
Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto
“All of the players are back together for the first time today. Some players need one-on-one sessions, but others could come back. It’s usually a little challenging to prepare, but the entire crew is together tomorrow.
I’m glad to be back. “Due to several knocks and delayed flights, we have to make some late judgments on the load. We will decide after our last session. I will choose the team following tomorrow’s last session.
“I have mixed news. Lucas Perri has been allowed to train for the past two weeks, which is good news. His level of fitness has increased. Good news. He won’t be available, Willy. His issues with his calves have been resolved.
Noah Okafor in action for Leeds.
However, he underwent minor hernia surgery during the international break. It’s not a big deal, but he had to do this. He will be available for West Ham, but not against Burnley, and will be in training the following week. “Good news! Dan James is participating in significant training components ahead of schedule. James is in the running for the starting lineup, while Noah Okafor is not because of an adductor issue.
Due to his hip flexor issues, Harry Gray is also not participating in team workouts. Regarding adolescent wonderkid Gray, Farke continued, “He needs a few more days to recover before he returns to team training next week.”
Now, what adjustments might Daniel Farke make to his Leeds team? Four primary issues need to be addressed. The main talking point is in goal, where Karl Darlow has made an impression since joining the team and taking Perri’s place, despite the fact that Darlow hasn’t yet preserved a Leeds clean sheet.
The Slovenian form of Jaka Bijol is another factor to take into account. Bijol has yet to make his Premier League debut, despite everyone expecting him to start at center back alongside Joe Rodon. He did a great job throughout the interval.
While Brenden Aaronson’s spot in the squad is never guaranteed, the 6′ 4″ Slovenian might get his shot. Aaronson’s performance versus Australia thrilled the US media, but with Gnonto healthy, things might change.
Farke will also need to decide on the left wing because James isn’t well enough to start and Okafor is having trouble. It’s possible that Jack Harrison will start his first league match for Leeds.
Farke’s tactical constancy is well known among Leeds supporters, though, and it is likely that he will want to avoid making significant changes to his starting lineup. It’s probably the fifth time he’s named the same side in a row.
