Farke shares Daniel James injury news straight after Leeds United win v Preston
Leeds United moved top of the Championship with a 2-1 victory over Preston North End, despite being without key man Daniel James.
James missed out at Elland Road on Saturday (12 April) with a hamstring injury sustained against Middlesbrough earlier this week.
Speaking ahead of the Preston match, Farke said he was unsure if the Wales international would be back in time to face Oxford United next Friday (18 April).
However, sharing an update in his post-match press conference soon after the Preston game, Farke suggested James will not be back for that game.
As relayed by BBC Sport reporter Adam Pope via X (12 April), Farke said there is a possibility Joe Rothwell will be back to face Oxford, but it is more likely both he and James will be available beyond then.
Leeds overcome Preston without key man James
James has been sensational for Leeds this season, having scored 12 goals and assisted nine more in 35 Championship outings.
Those 21 direct goal involvements are the joint-most in the Championship, level with Middlesbrough’s Finn Azaz.
Farke would have loved to have James against Preston, but the Whites got the job done thanks to goals from Manor Solomon and Jayden Bogle, either side of Kaine Kesler-Hayden’s leveller.
If James is to miss the Oxford game as expected, Farke knows he has the options to step in and help continue Leeds’ push for promotion.
Leeds strong favourites for Premier League promotion
Things started to look a little shaky for Leeds a week or so ago, but they have returned to form, coinciding with Sheffield United completely losing theirs.
| Championship table (top three) | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1 Leeds | 42 | 53 | 88 |
| 2 Burnley | 42 | 44 | 88 |
| 3 Sheffield Utd | 42 | 24 | 83 |
The Blades were beaten for a third game running on Saturday as they fell 2-1 to bottom side Plymouth Argyle.
It means Farke’s side are five points clear of third-placed Sheffield United, who have Burnley to face next week.
Leeds were not at their best in the win over Preston, but it was a case of job done and another game crossed off on this push for a return to the Premier League.