Daniel Farke shares Joe Rodon injury update as Leeds teammate doubtful vs Man United

Daniel Farke has provided a Leeds United team news update ahead of this weekend's clash with Manchester United.

All eyes will be on Elland Road on Sunday afternoon for the pick of the round's Premier League action.

Man United make the trip to West Yorkshire with manager Michael Carrick under immense pressure.

Leeds lost 2-1 to Arsenal last weekend but are still three points better off than their opponents in the table.

Farke has to to make do without Joe Rodon for the past seven weeks, while Daniel James was another high-profile absentee against Arsenal.

Updates have now been shared on both of those players as Farke spoke to reporters at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Daniel Farke shares updates on Joe Rodon and Daniel James

Leeds have thankfully had cover for Rodon, but it will be great to get the Wales international back involved.

The centre-back was ruled out for eight-to-10 weeks, so he is still not quite ready for a return to full training.

"Joe will miss this game still, but he's edging closer," Farke confirmed to reporters.

As for international colleague James, Farke said his status for the game with Man United is still unclear.

"He was out for around 10 days with his back but since Thursday he has been back on the pitch," Farke said.

"We will have to see how his body reacts. He seems to have improved. The intensity in last days were not too high."

On the basis of what Farke has said, you would imagine James will not be risked from the beginning against Man United, if at all.

Mateo Joseph is Leeds' only other injury issue, with the forward out for another few months yet.

Farke disagrees with Leeds' tag pre-Man United

Leeds are favourites to beat Manchester United this weekend. When was the last time that was said?

However, that is not quite the view Farke is taking.

"I'm not sure if we're favourites," he said. "We've made a brilliant start and are in a good position.

"Man United have found it tough to win the last matches, but if you look at squads, how long they've been in the Premier League, it's hard to say they’re the underdog."

Farke went on to state that Leeds will have to be on top of their game, which is always the case in any Premier League game.

While all the pressure is on Man United this weekend, that is not to say this is a bonus game for Leeds - anything but.

Three points need to be targeted as the Whites look to turn the screw further on Carrick's tenure.