Daniel Farke has offered Leeds United Football Club a timely boost ahead of Sunday’s visit of Manchester United to Elland Road, with Daniel James back in training and a chance of being involved. Joe Rodon, however, is still set to miss the game as he continues his recovery.
The big question for Leeds is simple: can Daniel James be ready after only recently returning to the pitch? Farke confirmed the winger had been out for around 10 days with back problems, missing Leeds’s trip to Arsenal last weekend as well as the last final game for his national team. Since yesterday, though, he has been back with the squad at Thorp Arch.
Daniel James back in the frame
Farke was cautious, but the update was still encouraging. “So since yesterday he was back on the pitch with us. Right now, we have to wait how his body reacts. But at least good news with him – he is back in training and seems to be improved, yes. The intensity in the last days was not too high,” he said.
That is the key detail for Leeds: James is not yet guaranteed a place, but he is no longer ruled out. Farke added that there is still a waiting period before Sunday, explaining that Leeds must assess how the player reacts across the last two sessions before the match. Even so, he admitted there is “a chance that he is involved.”
For Leeds, that matters. James gives them one more attacking option for a match that will carry plenty of pressure, especially against Manchester United at Elland Road. His return would not solve every problem, but it would at least give Farke another player who can stretch the pitch and add pace to the frontline.
Joe Rodon still sidelined
The more definite news is less positive for Leeds. Joe Rodon is still unavailable and not yet back in team training. Farke said the defender is in week seven of the eight to 10-week recovery period originally set out at the start of the injury.
“Joe will still miss his game,” Farke said. “We spoke at the beginning of this injury. It would last eight to 10 weeks. I think we are right now on week seven so he is edging closer.”
There is progress, but not enough for this weekend. Farke added that Rodon is making good strides in rehab work and will not be far away from team training, yet he is “not yet” ready and remains out of contention for this upcoming game.
So Leeds head into Sunday with one possible attacking return and one confirmed absence at the back. The next 48 hours will decide whether Daniel James can turn a training-ground return into a matchday role, but for now the squad update is clear: he is back in the picture, while Rodon is still waiting for his chance.
