Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Thu 16 April 2026 17:10, UK

Leeds United could cut their losses on Dan James after a fresh injury update ahead of the Wolves clash on Saturday.

The Old Gold visit Elland Road, with the hosts looking to continue the momentum from their 2-1 win over Manchester United last time out.

James did not feature in that victory, as a result of an adductor injury, which was the 20th match that he has missed this season.

He has failed to score or assist in 17 matches in all competitions this season, with 15 of those appearances coming in the Premier League, and the Whites have had to rely on others for their goals.

Leeds should not expect James to be involved on 18 April, and they need to have serious thoughts about his future.

What was said about James’ fitness?

James lit up the Championship for Leeds last season, but it seems his body has not been able to handle the rigours of the Premier League.

Daniel Farke confirmed that neither the Welsh winger, Anton Stach, nor Joe Rodon are back in team training in his press conference ahead of the game.

The German said: “For the other players that are injured, with Joe Rodon, Daniel James and Anton Stach, the first step is more or less that they would be back in team training and then if they have a bit of team training then they’re also available for the games.

“As it stands, so today, no one is back in team training yet, but we have two more days.

“Let’s see what happens. We assess them day by day but as it stands, no one of them is back in team training yet. And all the others, as it stands, are available for the game.”

Why Leeds may need hard conversations on James

James notched 12 goals and nine assists in the promotion-winning campaign, which earned him a contract extension.

He signed an additional four-year deal, which is set to keep him in LS11 until the summer of 2029, so on the face of it, he is going nowhere.

However, given the fact that they have not been able to rely on him, and he has not shown that he can do it in the top-flight regularly, an offer may tempt them.

It would certainly be something to consider, which seems crazy to say, with how vital that he was just one year ago.

The Peacocks may end up giving him on the 28-year-old if he can’t prove his fitness in the near future, as they can’t afford to carry passengers, who are not able to get on the pitch often enough to make an impact.

Obviously, James has a lot of credit in the bank, but eventually, hard conversations will need to be had on a potential exit, if his struggles continue.