Every word Daniel Farke said on Leeds United injury return, Noah Okafor fitness & Man Utd negativity

Leeds United face one of their biggest games of the season against Manchester United this weekend and ahead of that Elland Road clash, Daniel Farke will speak with the media today.

The Whites welcome their old rivals to West Yorkshire on Sunday looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal. Daniel Farke’s side were competitive for large parts of that clash at the Emirates but ultimately fell victim to quality off the bench.

Leeds were without Daniel James for that defeat, the winger absent with a back injury. It’s been another frustrating period for the Welsh international who recently insisted he’s ‘working hard’ to be available against his former club.

Farke will provide an update on James amid hope he can return in time for Sunday’s meeting, while he will also be asked about Joe Rodon who has been out for almost seven weeks with a hamstring injury. Had any fresh issues cropped up this week, they will also be mentioned.

The Leeds line-up has been virtually unchanged for a few weeks now but could defeat at Arsenal encourage Farke to tweak anything? His side were largely excellent at the Emirates but a couple of key selection decisions could be delved into this afternoon.

Farke will have fresh memories of April's 2-1 victory against Manchester United, their first in the top-flight at Old Trafford in 45 years. You’d have to go back even further for the last time they won back-to-back games against their rivals, a feat last achieved during the 1971/72 campaign.

There is growing confidence that 54-year wait could come to an end on Sunday, with Leeds in great form despite defeat at Arsenal while their visitors are close to crisis. Boss Michael Carrick is under huge pressure after five winless games while Lisandro Martinez called out club chiefs after Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Given the bombshell interview has been a major talking point, there’s a chance Farke could be asked for his thoughts but don’t expect him to go into that topic in any particular depth. He will, no doubt, be asked about opposite number Carrick who he’s faced multiple times as Leeds boss, both at Middlesbrough and Manchester United.

Farke is due to speak with the media at 1.30pm this afternoon. Stay tuned for live updates...