Daniel James latest as 10 could miss out in Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest
Leeds United against Nottingham Forest is a crucial clash in the Premier League, with relegation still on the cards for both sides.
Leeds’ chances of survival look promising right now, but a defeat to Nottingham Forest and a West Ham win against Burnley would certainly shift the landscape.
The Peacocks are coming off the back of a 4-0 loss to Arsenal, in which Leeds were slammed for their defending on set pieces.
Daniel Farke will want to bounce back as soon as possible, and some positive squad news would certainly help in that regard.
The latest on injuries for this fixture, including a return for Daniel James, has now come through.
Injury latest ahead of Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest
Friday evening’s game is a monumental occasion for the Whites. A win against the Tricky Trees would see them gain much-needed ground in their path to survival.
Farke may not be best pleased with the referee appointment ahead of the match, but first and foremost, Leeds must do their business on the pitch rather than focus on anyone else.
The German manager could be without quite a few players, and that will make his job all the more difficult.
Welshman James has been out since the beginning of December, and while the winger is “making good progress”, according to this manager, he is still a doubt for the game.
Lukas Nmecha has yet to return to training, with the attacker being unlikely to feature on Friday. Nmecha was expected to be fit.
Additionally, Jaka Bijol is still a doubt despite returning to training.
Anton Stach is also among the injured players for Leeds, as the German is set to miss the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, James Justin has been passed fit, but it remains to be seen if he is put straight back into the starting lineup.
| Leeds United’s injuries and suspensions | Nottingham Forest injuries and suspensions |
| Anton Stach (out) | John Victor (out) |
| Lukas Nmecha (doubt) | Chris Wood (out) |
| Jaka Bijol (doubt) | Nicolo Savona (out) |
| Daniel James (doubt) | Neco Williams (suspended) |
| Matz Sels (doubt) | |
| Callum Hudson-Odoi (doubt) |
For the away side, John Victor, Chris Wood and Nicolo Savona are all confirmed to miss the action. Neco Williams is suspended after picking up a red card against Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, both Matz Sels and Callum Hudson-Odoi are doubts for Sean Dyche.
- Read more: Daniel Farke recalls exit-linked player in three changes – Leeds predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest
Leeds must avoid repeat of reverse fixture
The last time Leeds faced Nottingham Forest, it did not end well, and they must avoid the same result at all costs.
Farke’s side opened the scoring at the City Ground but would fall to a 3-1 defeat. In this match, a loss would have bigger consequences.
They are now helped by the fact the game is at Elland Road, and with the crowd on Forest’s backs, it could be difficult for the away side.
Three points are no doubt crucial, particularly with West Ham facing Burnley on the same weekend. Letting the Hammers claw any ground on Leeds would give them more hope of climbing the table.