Daniel James injury update emerges in major Leeds United blow
Dan James has suffered a crushing blow ahead of the Championship clash between Leeds United and Stoke City on Easter Monday.
James was in line to take his place in the Leeds starting line-up after returning from injury as a substitute in the 1-0 win against Oxford United on Friday, 18 April.
However, more than a few eyebrows were raised when it emerged that the Wales international has been left out of Daniel Farke’s matchday squad to face Stoke at Elland Road on 21 April.
Farke delivers crushing James injury update
Explaining James’ shock omission, Adam Pope revealed that Farke has already explained why the attacker was left out of the matchday squad.
Speaking to the press ahead of kick-off, the German tactician revealed that James had some ‘awareness’ during his cameo against Oxford.
| Matches | Goals | Assists |
| 36 | 12 | 9 |
Pope believes the former Manchester United ace must have felt something in his healing hamstring.
The BBC journalist, though, poured cold water on any serious concerns about James’ fitness, revealing that Leeds have opted not to risk him.
“Wow, what a moment if he [Harry Gray] were to get his debut today?”, Pope said live on BBC Radio Leeds (21 April, 2:06 pm).
“Why that has happened is because Dan James isn’t in the squad.
“We understand that Daniel Farke has just spoken to the press and said that Dan James had some awareness, probably in that hamstring injury, on Friday, and therefore, isn’t being risked.”
Gray named in Leeds United squad instead
However, James’ omission signals good news for Gray, who has been named in the Leeds United matchday squad in the Welshman’s place.
The son of Andy Gray and brother of Archie Gray, the 16-year-old has big connections to Elland Road and will hope to make his senior bow against Stoke this afternoon.
Gray is primarily a centre-forward, meaning it is very unlikely that he plays against the Potters, especially with Patrick Bamford also on the bench.
It will nevertheless be a huge moment for the teenager if he even steps on the pitch for one minute at the end of the game.
James, though, will be disappointed about not being in action on Easter Monday, as Leeds United could clinch automatic promotion if Sheffield United drop points against Burnley.
It is worth noting that Farke has named an unchanged matchday squad, except for Gray coming in for James.