(Credit: Imago)

Noah Okafor already injury doubt at Leeds United days after signing vs Newcastle

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

28 Aug 2025, 10:10 am

Noah Okafor may not have been a Leeds United player long, but they could already be without him.

Leeds signed Okafor from AC Milan for £18million, with the vision of him starting on the left wing.

Okafor made his first start for the Elland Road club against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup, which ended in an embarrassing defeat on Tuesday.

Now, Daniel Farke may already have to replace him on the left after the latest injury news surrounding the 25-year-old ahead of the Elland Road clash with Newcastle.

Noah Okafor in the Leeds United away kit

Okafor could be sidelined through injury (Credit: Manh Tung; Breaking Media)

Noah Okafor doubt to face Newcastle United due to groin issue

Okafor would have been a likely starter for Leeds against Newcastle, but that may not now be the case.

The winger made his debut for the Peacocks against Arsenal, coming on for a 24-minute cameo in the 5-0 defeat.

Okafor was part of a strong side that faced the Owls in midweek and put in a credible performance despite the penalty shootout defeat.

Now, the Switzerland international is a doubt to face the Magpies due to a groin problem, as shared by Adam Pope on 28 August.

The BBC sports broadcaster confirmed from Farke that he was the only doubt, while Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka are both ruled out.

Okafor (groin) is the only doubt for visit of Newcastle. Ampadu & Tanaka (both MCL) already ruled out. #LUFC
— Adam Pope (@apopey) August 28, 2025

Which Leeds United player could benefit from Noah Okafor news?

While the news of Okafor's injury is frustrating, it does provide an excellent opportunity for somebody else.

The most likely beneficiary from the news is Willy Gnonto, who started against both Everton and Arsenal.

Gnonto was not necessarily expected to be a regular starter for the Whites this season, but has played on the left in the absence of any real competition.

Gnonto made 26 league starts last season
He provided nine goals
The winger also notched six assists

The 21-year-old also appeared against Sheffield Wednesday in the week, but only came on as a substitute in the 81st minute.

Another option is Jack Harrison, but it would be a shock if Farke decided to start him ahead of Gnonto.

Leeds face a difficult challenge in Newcastle, and the absence of Okafor is bound to be felt at Elland Road, with both sides facing several injuries.

Sign up for the MOT Leeds News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Leeds United news sent straight to your phone.

Noah Okafor