Leeds United absence will be 'huge blow' ahead of Cardiff City clash as bold Daniel Farke claim made
Your round-up of the latest Leeds United headlines ahead of Saturday’s trip to Cardiff City.
Leeds United return to action tomorrow with a long trip to Cardiff City offering the chance to renew optimism in West Yorkshire. Daniel Farke’s side suffered a first defeat of the season at home to Burnley last weekend and sit ninth, but this early point of the campaign means victory could easily pull them back into the play-off places.
Farke confirmed injury concerns over four new players ahead of the trip, while Cardiff will be without talismanic midfielder Aaron Ramsey and head coach Erol Bulut is under growing pressure. Ahead of another big game that Leeds must win to ease early concerns, the YEP has rounded up some of the latest stories surrounding the club.
James blow
Former goalkeeper Paul Robinson has singled out the ongoing absence of Dan James as a ‘huge blow’ for Leeds. James missed his side’s last two games with a hamstring injury and after suffering a recent setback, is expected to be out until the October international break.
Having enjoyed an excellent 2023/24 campaign with 13 goals and seven assists, James looked to have kicked on this season and opened his account with a composed finish in the 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday. With all other attacking options preferring to drift inwards, the Welshman offers something different on the right and Robinson is disappointed to not have him available.
“No Daniel James is a huge blow”, Robinson told MOT Leeds News. “His pace, the way he approaches the game, and his directness gives Leeds something else. He’s a key player, whether he starts or comes off the bench, and he’s always going to be part of the matchday squad. He’ll be a huge miss.”
Farke claim
Former Leeds midfielder Carlton Palmer has backed Farke to rack up 90 points again this season, which should be enough to achieve automatic promotion at the second time of asking. The Whites were unfortunate to miss out on a top-two spot despite a tally higher than Marcelo Bielsa’s title-winning effort, and a similar run should do the job this time round.
“Patience is needed, I think he’ll post 90 points again, and I think Leeds will be there or thereabouts”, Palmer told the Football League World. “What’s important is that Daniel Farke does get Leeds promoted this season because if they don’t they’ll be looking and saying he’s had the tools to do the job.
“It has been a bit tricky in terms of players leaving the club, especially when he came in late last season. But now they’ll be looking to kick on and get promotion this season, but definitely the right decision at this moment in time to keep Daniel Farke.”