Leeds United team news vs Nottingham Forest as Anton Stach update shared, two could return
Leeds United are aiming to bounce back after a heavy 4-0 defeat to Arsenal last time out.
Daniel Farke’s side welcome Nottingham Forest to Elland Road on Friday for a huge clash at the bottom end of the Premier League.
Leeds sit 16th in the standings with 14 matches to go, while Forest sit just a place behind them on goal difference, with both sides carrying a six-point gap to the relegation zone.
Speaking at today’s press conference ahead of Friday’s six-pointer, Daniel Farke gave a crucial injury update.
Daniel Farke gives big injury update ahead of crucial Nottingham Forest fixture
Speaking ahead of Friday’s fixture, Farke provided a big update on the fitness of his team, with multiple players ready for action soon.
Jaka Bijol and Dan James could return to the fold, while Farke said it was too early to tell on Lukas Nmecha. James Justin, who went off injured against the Gunners, should also be involved.
“Mixed news,” said Farke. “Good news, Jaka Bijol has been back in team training, we have to see how his body reacts but definitely positive for us.
“Also James Justin is back in team training, thank God it was just a bruise and not a broken toe, he’s also available. Also Dan James is making progress. Lukas Nmecha is not in team training yet, it’s probably unlikely he will make it for this game but he’s also not too far away.”
However, on the negative side, Farke provided an update on Anton Stach, who is set for a short spell out with a hip injury.
“The only negative news is that Anton Stach is struggling with hip problems and is likely to miss this game on Friday and the Chelsea game. Not good news for him because he’s obviously an important player for us,” said Farke.
Stach has made 21 league appearances for the Whites this term, scoring three times and registering three assists.
Farke added that “10-14 days is what the doctor says.”
Read more: Leeds United transfer reveal says it all about what Daniel Farke thinks of Ao Tanaka.
Leeds in need of big win in crucial six-pointer
Saturday’s loss to Arsenal was the first on home soil in five league outings, with Leeds picking up crucial points against Chelsea and Liverpool at Elland Road during that time.
For any side scrapping down at the bottom end of the table, home form is crucial, and Leeds are certainly turning Elland Road into a fortress, unlike the final months of their most recent top-flight campaign in 2022/23.
Forest have actually been stronger away from home this term, with 14 of their 26 points coming on their travels, and their unbeaten league run stretching back to the start of January will leave them confident.
However, Leeds are capable of beating anyone at Elland Road, and they need to capitalise on this at the start of the weekend, with 18th-placed West Ham preparing for a rather favourable fixture against Burnley.