Daniel Farke shares Calvert-Lewin update as three major doubts emerge for Leeds clash vs Sunderland
Daniel Farke has provided a team news update ahead of Leeds United's clash with Sunderland this weekend.
Leeds have seen their momentum slow in recent weeks, having most recently been held 1-1 by Manchester United at Elland Road.
The Whites are still well positioned in the Premier League, however, even if they have gone five weeks without a win.
Farke's side are seventh in the table, just three points outside the Champions League spots.
Leeds were without Daniel James and Joe Rodon against Manchester United, with Farke sharing the latest on both of those players.
The German was also asked about Dominic Calvert-Lewin, amid some injury rumours that circulated this week.
What's Leeds United team news latest vs Sunderland?
Calvert-Lewin scored Leeds' equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Man United last weekend.
However, the England international was fouled by Diogo Dalot late in the game and there were suggestions he left the ground on crutches.
Speaking to reporters at Thorp Arch on Friday lunchtime, Farke confirmed Calvert-Lewin is a major doubt to face Sunderland.
Noah Okafor and Anton Stach are two others who will face late fitness tests before Sunday's clash at the Stadium of Light.
Joe Rodon is still definitely out for Leeds, while Daniel James is now back in contention having not played since before the international break.
"Rodon is still out," Farke told reporters. "Calvert-Lewin had a foul late on and is struggling with a bruise on his foot, so a question mark there.
"Stach is the same with a foot problem - it's painful, so a question mark behind his availability.
"Okafor has an adductor problem as well. If the game was today, all three would not be available due to missing training sessions.
"The good news is we have two more days and we'll try to make them available."
Daniel Farke speaks out on back-up options
Being without Calvert-Lewin against Sunderland would be a huge blow for Leeds.
As would being without Stach and Okafor, with Farke potentially having to completely rework his attack.
The good news is that Farke does have options, albeit ones who need to step up.
Harry Wilson has not got going at all since arriving as a free agent in the summer.
Lukas Nmecha has just one assist and no goals in six Premier League games this term, meanwhile, albeit without each of those appearances coming as a substitute.
Asked about the pair at his presser, Farke said: "Lukas has a great record for a back-up striker - even Bayern Munich would be happy.
"He doesn't play every minute but Lukas has proven this season he can have an impact.
"He's not always able to make a difference in 15 or 20 minutes, but I'm pleased overall. Lukas a very important player."
Farke added: "Harry the same. He had a difficult start but it’s quite normal. He's a quality player but in new surroundings.
"He's a player who is always capable of scoring goals or getting assists. He's come into a new setup compared to Fulham and trying to adapt to our style.
"I'm pretty happy with what he’s done. He worked hard in pre-season and first games then out for three weeks injured.
"His intensity and workload against the ball is on a way better level than when he arrived. I'm pretty sure his quality will shine through."
There is no time like the present, with both men likely having to step up this weekend.