Early Leeds United team news v Swansea: Sam Byram now ruled out as Dan James injury update shared

Daniel Farke has confirmed that Leeds United defender Sam Byram will now be ruled out of the February 13 clash against Swansea City with a muscle problem.

The German, speaking in his pre-match press conference (12 February) ahead of the clash also confirmed that Dan James has returned to training and will be in the squad for the game.

Jamie Shackleton has also returned but will miss the clash in Wales with a personal issue.

Farke also shared that there is no definitive timescale on Pascal Struijk's return at Elland Road.

Leeds United hoping to steer clear of injuries in play-off run-in

Leeds United may well have added the qualities and experience of Connor Roberts to their squad on transfer deadline day but Farke will be hoping to avoid any more injuries in what’s been a problem position all season.

Roberts’ signing at Elland Road is supposed to provide Farke with the specialist options he needs in both full-back positions after some dreadful injuries recurrences to both Junior Firpo and Byram.

It is mightily crucial that Farke manages the workload of both players heading into a testing and gruelling schedule over the next month or so and if the Whites are to achieve the automatic promotion, key injuries have to be avoided.

The Whites have superb to make it this far and could well have found themselves second in the table if not for Southampton's late win over Huddersfield at the weekend but Farke's men can only focus on themselves and grab the wins needed to heap up pressure on the Saints and Ipswich Town.

James' return is a massive boost for the Whites as they aim to retrieve another three points in Wales on Tuesday.

In other Leeds United news, one pundit has been left stunned by an unexpected development at Elland Road.

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