Leeds team news vs Burnley: Daniel Farke confirms unexpected return but rules out Willy Gnonto and one other
Daniel Farke has provided an update on his team’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s return to Premier League action.
Leeds United will play Burnley at Turf Moor, in the hopes of securing their third league victory of the season.
Scott Parker‘s side are below the Whites in the table, but have shown promising signs of strong form at home this season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to be dropped by Farke against Burnley, after the striker failed to take several chances against Tottenham before the break.
Burnley are the slight favourites against Leeds, after the Clarets took four points from the sides’ two meetings in the Championship last season.
Daniel Farke provides updates on Daniel James, Willy Gnonto and more
Daniel James had looked to have been ruled out of the trip to Burnley, but Farke shared some encouraging news about the winger on Thursday.
“James ahead of schedule, very good news,” the German told the media. “Already involved in major parts of team training. Not contending for (starting) XI, but possibly for the squad“.
Of course, as is often the way with football, one piece of positive injury news was quickly followed by a negative.
Farke confirmed that Noah Okafor is “managing adductor issues“, with the winger still in contention to be picked for the squad.
Lucas Perri has returned to full training after recovering from an injury to his thigh, and his manager confirmed that the Brazilian has “built up his fitness during the break“.
Saturday’s match will come too soon for the goalkeeper, however, after more than seven weeks without an appearance.
Willy Gnonto will not be available, either, with Farke explaining that while his calf problem is “sorted“, he “used the break for a minor hernia surgery.“
The winger should return to team training next week and could be back for the visit of West Ham, the German revealed.
James return a huge positive for Leeds
There are few players in the Leeds squad with the qualities offered by James. The winger has devastating pace, and is more than capable of beating his man and creating something from nothing.
| Premier League 2025-26 | Noah Okafor | Daniel James |
| Appearances | 5 | 4 |
| Chances created | 4 | 2 |
| Successful dribbles | 11 | 1 |
| Fouls won | 5 | 4 |
| Duel won % | 40.4% | 58.3% |
| Shots | 6 | 5 |
In the Championship last season, the Wales international was among Farke’s most dangerous players, scoring 12 goals and providing nine assists across 36 appearances.
His return will be of massive utility to the German, although the loss of Okafor could serve as a huge blow, should he not be available.
The 25-year-old has been superb in recent weeks, and his absence in the final third absolutely will be felt.
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