Credit: Imago

Mark Smith

Thu 12 March 2026 19:08, UK

Noah Okafor is ready to return from injury at Leeds United.

The Swiss winger has been the only big-name absentee at Elland Road in recent weeks, after suffering from a thigh injury.

Leeds have missed Okafor, too, losing 1-0 twice against both Manchester City and Sunderland in crucial Premier League outings that haven’t helped.

The Whites did return to winning ways against Norwich in the FA Cup to reach the quarter-finals last time out, and will travel to Crystal Palace next in the Premier League on Sunday.

And, Daniel Farke will be delighted with the latest Leeds injury news.

Noah Okafor back in training at Leeds United

The win over Norwich saw Leeds able to rest several big names.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a slight knee issue, but the England international has recovered well ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park with a well-needed rest.

Anton Stach played limited minutes, while the likes of Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle were also not started to ease their workload.

Okafor was ruled out, but he has now been spotted in training at Thorp Arch.

Taking to his personal Instagram account story on Thursday evening, Okafor shared images of himself training at Thorp Arch, with a simple message attached.

“Back,” he wrote, with a playful emoji.

Noah Okafor record at Leeds United

With 15 starts in 23 Premier League appearances, Okafor has instantly gained the trust of Farke.

The German is famous for having his long-standing favourites and refusing to change, just look at Ilia Gruev in midfield over recent months.

That backfired against Sunderland, with Leeds far too defensive with the Bulgarian playing, but Okafor was also sorely missed in the final third.

Okafor may have only scored four goals, while adding zero assists, but they have come at important times, like his latest strike at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.

But his powerful running on and off the ball caused Nottingham Forest all types of problems only a matter of weeks ago, and that will be crucial again before the international break.

Leeds take on Crystal Palace and Brentford in two huge games, where at least one win will be critical as the Premier League relegation battle continues to look harder.

Okafor is back, and he will be needed immediately.