Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Fri 1 May 2026 13:10, UK

Noah Okafor may well miss the Burnley game after not being involved in Leeds United‘s latest training session.

Before Leeds’ FA Cup semi-final loss to Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday, Daniel Farke revealed that Ilia Gruev was out for the season with a meniscus injury.

After the defeat, it emerged that Gabriel Gudmundsson had suffered a hamstring injury against the Blues, which will force him out for a couple of weeks at least.

While Gruev was more of a squad player, Gudmundsson was one of the first names on the team sheet. The left-footed Swede adds an extra dimension to Leeds’ attack, something the reliable but right-footed James Justin just cannot provide.

As Leeds hope their injury list isn’t too bad, here are a few things spotted from their latest training session at Thorp Arch.

Gabriel Gudmundsson surprise and Jaka Bijol boost

Firstly, on Wednesday, Gudmundsson celebrated his 27th birthday.

Although the former Lille man was unable to train with his Leeds teammates, he still came to the training ground and received a rousing rendition of “happy birthday”.

The left-back was given a guard of honour before the Leeds players headed off for first-team training.

Secondly, Jaka Bijol, who has a hip issue, took part in running work, a rondo, and an abridged match, suggesting he could be fit to face Burnley.

Joe Rodon and Anton Stach, both of whom have just come back from ankle injuries, showed no sign of discomfort.

Thirdly, though, in-form winger Okafor was not included in any of Leeds’ training footage due to a calf problem. That could give Wilfried Gnonto a chance to shine against the Clarets.

Leeds need to deliver vs Burnley

Leeds sit six points clear of the relegation zone in 15th with four games to go. In most seasons, 40 points would have secured a team’s safety but that may not be the case this term.

Tottenham and West Ham are the most likely to join Wolves and Burnley in the Championship but a late season surge is not out of the question.

Scott Parker parted ways with Burnley on Thursday, which left many Leeds fans slightly relieved after going three unbeaten against Farke’s side over the past two seasons.

But Burnley may get a post-manager bounce against Leeds, so the Whites need to show constant vigilance at Elland Road on Friday night.