Daniel Farke shares Dan James injury update ahead of Leeds United playoff clash v Norwich City
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has admitted Daniel James has begun to return to first-team training and is in a “tight race” to feature against Norwich City.
The Whites make the trip to Carrow Road for the first leg of their playoff semifinal on Sunday (12 May) as they look to make an immediate return to the Premier League having missed out on automatic promotion.
James hasn’t featured for Farke’s side in either of their last two games having picked up an injury in the win over Middlesbrough and while it remains to be seen if he’ll start against the Canaries, he seems to be an option for Farke.
As quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post (10 May) he said: “I would say Daniel James is making good progress, coming closer and closer. He had already joined in parts of team training, it will be a tight race but at least a chance he’s available.
“Depends on the next 48 hours, it could be that he’s an option for the travelling squad, but I’m not sure if he’s ready for 90 minutes.”
Will Dan James play for Leeds United and Daniel Farke v Norwich City and Carrow Road?
Leeds United will not only want to start their playoff campaign with a win, but they will also hope that they can end a run of poor form which has only seen them claim all three points in one of their last four matches.
For so much of this calendar year, the Whites looked unbeatable under Farke, particularly at Elland Road where they seemed to dominate each and every match, but in recent weeks that form has just vanished into thin air.
While that hasn’t been a direct result of James’ injury, Leeds have lacked a bit of a spark and drive when the Welshman has been stuck on the sidelines. When he is fit and available, the Whites look a much stronger side.
With confirmation already emerging that Patrick Bamford won’t be ready to play a part in either leg of the semifinal showdown, Farke needs as many stars as possible ready to play. Hopefully, James will be one of those players.
In other Leeds United news, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards have made their predictions ahead of the Championship playoffs
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