Leeds United: Dan James must step up after fresh injury blow emerges at Elland Road
Dan James is currently in the best form of his footballing career, having notched 12 goals and seven assists for Leeds United in the Championship this season.
Before this campaign, the winger’s highest-scoring campaign came during the 2021/22 season, scoring four goals as the Whites battled in the Premier League.
However, James’ goal contributions have diminished in recent weeks, having been replaced in the starting lineup by Wilfried Gnonto, and facing heartbreak with Wales during the international break will certainly not help.
Dan James must fill Wilfried Gnonto’s shoes for Leeds United
The Welshman started Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Watford on Friday 29 March, but was quieter than his usual self, offering little impact going forward and looking lost in transition.
Many were surprised to see Farke pick James, especially considering he had just one start in the last seven league fixtures. But the manager’s most recent injury update speaks volumes.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the Watford clash on Friday (29 March), Farke said: “Willy [Gnonto] will be out for two to three weeks.”
The injury to Gnonto is a huge blow. The Italian has taken James’ spot on the right flank, registering five goals and an assist in seven Championship matches.
Daniel Farke has to trust the winger to rediscover form
James’ confidence will be at an all-time low after missing the key penalty in Wales’ shootout defeat to Poland in the Euro 2024 playoff final on Tuesday 26 March.
After the injury to Gnonto, Farke really has no choice but to stay patient with the 26-year-old, with Crysencio Summerville unlikely to be switched over to the right flank.
Hitting the back of the net will certainly help the winger regain some joy and happiness, and being a key factor in Leeds earning promotion to the Premier League would be even better.
Of course, the 2-2 draw with the Hornets will be seen as a slip-up, but the Whites have extended their unbeaten run, which goes all the way back to December.
The Championship title race is set to come right down to the wire, with Leicester City and Ipswich Town trading places with just a handful of games of the campaign remaining.
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke could soon be able to call upon Kalvin Phillips 2.0 at Elland Road.
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