Early Leeds United team news vs Chelsea: Four players could be out after crushing new injury
Leeds United could be without multiple first-team stars for their clash against Chelsea on Wednesday.
Chelsea are set for a trip to face Leeds at Elland Road as both sides look to return to winning ways in the Premier League.
The Blues drew with Arsenal, while Leeds suffered a 3-2 defeat to Manchester City in their previous outing under Daniel Farke.
Farke has come under sack pressure at Leeds, but a superb second-half performance away at the Etihad looks to have saved his skin for another matchweek.
The German could be forced to deal with a reduced squad once again in LS11, with fresh injury news emerging ahead of the Chelsea clash.
Dan James set to miss Chelsea clash
Paul Merson isn’t a fan of Dan James at Leeds as he feels as if he is too good for the Championship, but not good enough for the Premier League.
That may be the case, but it didn’t stop James from putting in a positive shift against Pep Guardiola’s men before coming off at half time.
The Whites will have been keen to get the best out of his pace and dynamism in West Yorkshire for the clash against Enzo Maresca and Co.
The Wales international now looks set to miss out against the Club World Cup champions after injury expert Ben Dinnery reported via Premier Injuries that the winger has been ruled out of the clash.
James looks set to be absent as he undergoes injury assessment and looks set to join Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff on the sidelines.
Sebastiaan Bornauw could also miss out again, but has been afforded a 25 per cent chance of featuring at Elland Road after nearly two months out.
Daniel Farke to rely on Noah Okafor at Leeds United
Without the work rate of James, there is a need for a similar alternative for the Chelsea clash or someone a bit different.
Brenden Aaronson could provide a reflection of the Welshman, even if the attacking midfielder doesn’t possess the pace of his teammate.
Farke could instead turn to Okafor due to his quality on the ball and the ability to make something out of nothing if given the chance.
Against a Premier League title challenger like Chelsea, the Whites need to be clinical and rely on moments at Elland Road.
The Switzerland international can provide that and help cover for the absence of James from the squad.
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