Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Mon 9 March 2026 10:10, UK

Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed Leeds United‘s FA Cup clash against Norwich City on Sunday as an injury precaution.

Leeds ran out 3-0 victors at Elland Road as Daniel Farke watched the Whites thump his old side from the stands.

The German head coach opted for a rotated but strong side to take on the Canaries, offering a chance for some players to prove a point to him.

The Whites’ star striker was not in the squad, leading some to believe it was just a necessary rest for a player who has featured in lots of the games. But that’s not exactly the case.

Following Leeds’ victory over Norwich, local journalist Adam Pope revealed on X that Calvert-Lewin missed the match through a “slight knee problem”.

What the 49ers could face if Dominic Calvert-Lewin injury was serious

Calvert-Lewin has been on fire for Leeds this season, making the 49ers look like geniuses for their shrewd summer signing.

The Englishman arrived in LS11 with a point to prove, and now leads the way as the Whites’ most influential attacker, with 10 league goals this season.

• Calvert-Lewin joined for free this summer after his contract expired with Everton
• He averages 0.46 goals per 90 minutes

The Whites came close to landing Jorgen Strand Larsen this winter, lodging a big bid well over the range of £30million, but losing out in the end to Crystal Palace.

Despite showing that they had the funds to make a big signing, the 49ers instead pocketed the £30m plus that they had after failing to sign their top target.

Now, if Calvert-Lewin has a recurring problem that affects Leeds’ chances of Premier League survival from now until the end of the season, they could receive heavy backlash from fans.

Farke will have to wait and see if the 28-year-old can make a swift recovery, hopefully in time for Leeds’ game against Palace this weekend.

Could Lukas Nmecha do the job as lone striker for Leeds?

Leeds’ fifth-round cup win over Norwich saw Lukas Nmecha step in to lead the Whites’ frontline to victory.

The number nine may feel aggrieved to have had his first-half goal chalked off for an alleged handball made by Wilfried Gnonto, but the former still had other chances to get himself on the scoresheet.

Regardless, the German registered an assist, and has also proved to be another stroke of brilliant business made by the 49ers, also coming to Elland Road for free this summer.

Nmecha has usually started in a strike partnership with Calvert-Lewin, but with the latter now facing an injury scare, Farke may have to rethink his tactics.

It’s highly likely that Nmecha could feature as Leeds’ only fit striker if Calvert-Lewin remains sidelined, but from what has been seen so far, he could still help the Whites to retain their Premier League status.