Noah Okafor latest as 10 players could miss Leeds United clash with Aston Villa
Noah Okafor should be fit enough to make the Leeds squad this weekend.
Okafor registered the assist for Lukas Nmecha’s goal at the weekend, but fears started to grow after he suffered a slight muscle injury.
The Swiss international was taken off in the 82nd minute of the clash at St Andrew’s, just seven minutes before the hosts struck level to take the game to extra time.
However, Daniel Farke is hopeful that it is just a cramp, as opposed to any form of tear, while also remaining optimistic that he could be fit when they face Aston Villa.
Three other Leeds stars are slight doubts for Aston Villa clash
Aside from Okafor, whose availability could be key to victory against the Champions League hopefuls, Leeds are also waiting on the fitness of three others.
Anton Stach remains the biggest doubt of them all, having sustained a hip injury against Arsenal at the end of January.
Farke has insisted that he will not rush the German back to fitness, but as of right now, it seems unlikely that he will be fit.
Leeds’ other two doubts are in regard to Pascal Struijk and Dan James, both of whom were absent from their FA Cup victory against Birmingham.
James’ last start for Leeds was at the end of November, when the Whites suffered a 3-2 defeat away to Manchester City.
Meanwhile, Struijk has been an integral component of their defensive setup this season, though both have an outside chance of making the clash.
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Who are Aston Villa set to be without?
Unai Emery has many injury concerns ahead of the weekend, several of which will damage their chances of a top-four finish.
Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn are definite absentees through injury, while Marco Bizot will also miss the clash due to suspension.
Elsewhere, Matty Cash is also a minor doubt as a result of knee inflammation, while Andres Garcia is due to return to training at the end of February.
With so many key players out, Leeds will be hopeful of their chances of taking all three points and moving even further away from the relegation zone.
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