Daniel Farke buzzing over forgotten Leeds star who hasn’t started in months
Leeds United have been battling with various injury issues in recent months as they aim to survive in the Premier League.
Pascal Struijk is the latest to be ruled out, and the centre-back will miss the game against Chelsea on Tuesday night after picking up a hip issue in the win over Forest.
Daniel Farke will have to reshuffle his defensive ranks as a result, with Jaka Bijol, who has only just returned from injury himself, likely to come into the back three.
However, it is not all bad news for Leeds, as one of their attacking stars is now fit and raring to go after a couple of months out of action.
Daniel Farke delighted to have Dan James back
Dan James returned from injury against Nottingham Forest, coming off the bench for the last 15 minutes of the contest.
James originally picked up a hamstring issue in the 3-2 defeat to Manchester City at the end of November, spending over two months on the sidelines.
The flying winger has only started four Premier League games all season, and has been hampered by injuries for the majority of the campaign.
However, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Chelsea, Farke revealed that James is in good shape.
The Leeds boss added that the Welshman adds a threat to the attack, and his return is a big positive.
Farke said: “It’s good that we have him back. He was out for eight and a half weeks, and he’s been back in training for around two weeks now.
“DJ (James) is a very experienced player, knows his body as well. He came back in good shape. He looked sharp going forward (against Forest) and created two or three dangerous situations.
“It’s good to have this type of player back as an option, and hopefully he can stay fit and show what he’s capable of.”
Dan James bring something different to Leeds
It’s clear that Farke is a big fan of James and feels that he can bring something unique to the Leeds squad.
Since his injury, the Whites have rarely played with touchline wingers, instead utilising their wing-backs to stretch the pitch.
However, with James back in action, Farke has the option to deploy him in a more natural position out wide, which will give Leeds an alternative threat.
Especially with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the box, James’ pace on the wing could really benefit the West Yorkshire outfit going forward.
It is unlikely that the 28-year-old will be handed a start against Chelsea on Tuesday evening, but it would be no surprise to see him come off the bench if Leeds need a goal in the closing stages.