Early Leeds United team news vs Sunderland as Dan James update drops
Leeds United could have Dan James available ahead of their trip to face Sunderland on Sunday.
The Whites will head north to take on the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light this weekend in search of another big result in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke's side drew 1-1 to Manchester United at Elland Road last time out, responding well after suffering their first league defeat of the season against Arsenal.
While Leeds came up against one manager under pressure in Michael Carrick, things aren't all sunshine and rainbows for Regis Le Bris at Sunderland either.
The Whites will look to recharge and go again, but will they have any extra players available to them for the trip?
Well, Leeds could be set to make an important decision on James soon.
Early Leeds team news vs Sunderland as Dan James update drops
James suffered a back injury while away over the international break with Wales, and is yet to feature in a matchday squad for Leeds since returning to LS11.
The 28-year-old got on the scoresheet in his nation's only win during the break, and was primed to come back to Thorp Arch a man in form.
Farke has always been a big fan of the winger, and even called him "outstanding" during the Whites' Championship promotion charge in February 2025, as per Sky Sports.
Now, the German head coach could have his pacey forward back as an option at the Stadium of Light.
According to injury expert Ben Dinnery, James could return against Sunderland and has a 50 per cent chance of being involved.
The Wales international is currently being assessed for his lower back issue, as Farke even admitted the player was back on the training pitch prior to the Man United game, which he was unable to make.
James' Welsh compatriot Joe Rodon is still expected to be unavailable, but could return the following week against Bournemouth.
Farke has admitted that the centre-back is making good progress after suffering his thigh injury earlier in the season.
Sunderland's latest injury news as striker nightmare continues
Sunderland's injury situation is much worse than Leeds', and perhaps that is reflected in results.
The Black Cats were forced to start academy striker Timur Tuterov up top in their 2-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday, with Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor currently unfit.
Both strikers are a doubt ahead of their game against the Whites.
Romaine Mundle is out for months with a knee injury, while defensive duo Dan Ballard and Thomas Meunier are both expected to miss the match with hamstring issues.
Sunderland play Lech Poznan in the Europa League on Thursday, which may be a good indication for Farke to work with ahead of Leeds' trip to the Stadium of Light on Sunday.