Leeds United could be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor and Anton Stach for the meeting with Sunderland.
Daniel Farke’s performance at Elland Road over the past 11 months has been helped by a very good run of injury luck for the Whites.
Our injury record has been outlined by starring performances from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor. These two have struggled historically to stay fit.
Leeds United team news pre-Sunderland: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor and Anton Stach all doubts
It had been suggested online on Thursday and Friday that Calvert-Lewin was carrying a knock this week off the back of our draw vs Man Utd. There was a challenge from behind late in the game that left the No9 in a heap in the far corner, which has left a mark.
Farke confirmed in his pre-mach press conference that the striker is struggling with a bruised foot and is therefore a doubt for Sunday.
Alongside Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor is also doubtful. The Swiss winger is struggling with an adductor problem that leaves him possibly missing out at the Stadium of Light.
Thirdly, midfielder Anton Stach – like Calvert-Lewin – is struggling with a foot issue that also means he’s a doubt.
“If the game was today none would be available; all have missed sessions this week. Good news is we still have two days, try to make them available,” Farke said, per the YEP.
In more positive news, Dan James returned to full training this week and is in contention. Joe Rodon, though, remains sidelined as he recovers from his hamstring injury.
Nightmare scenario for Daniel Farke amid triple Leeds United blow
Having all three of Calvert-Lewin, Stach, and Okafor ruled out would be a huge blow to our attack. We already look a bit toothless at times in the final third from open play. So, having our three main attacking players missing would be catastrophic.
Sunderland would be delighted if this were the case. Considering how badly they need their form to turn around right now, this helps them hugely.
However, there’s always the fact that Farke labels players as doubts, only for them to often be fit to feature.
We just have to pray Calvert-Lewin is available. We look a far worse team when he’s not leading the line, and missing him here would hamper our chances massively.
