Leeds United are back at Elland Road this weekend with Newcastle United the visitors on Saturday evening. Daniel Farke’s side have lost their last two games across all competitions but return to LS11, where less than two weeks ago they comprehensively outplayed Everton to win 1-0.
Farke will be without two starters from that opening-weekend victory, with midfield pair Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka both suffering knee injuries. There are also fresh concerns surrounding £18million summer signing Noah Okafor, who played 84 minutes against Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.
Visitors Newcastle have a raft of injury issues to contend with as well, and the ongoing saga surrounding on-striker No.9 Alexander Isak. Below, the YEP has all the latest injury and team news from both sides following Farke’s Thursday afternoon press conference.
7. Ethan Ampadu - out (continued)
Speaking at his press conference on Thursday, Farke said: "Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka not available. Had them both for Everton, the last two games for us were more difficult to replace players of this calibre compared to a squad more or less equipped for Champions League." Photo: Michael Regan
8. Ao Tanaka - out
Another to pick up a knee injury this month, keeping him out of Tuesday's Carabao Cup defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Expected to be out for several weeks and, like Ampadu, will play no international football during this September break. | Getty Images
9. Ao Tanaka - out (continued)
Speaking on Thursday, Farke said of his midfield options: "Bit tricky because we spoke about Ethan and Ao. It’s a bit thin but we’ll find a solution. Can also set up a slightly different midfield. I won't speak too much in public before because Newcastle will watch what I say today. Confident we can have a good set up." | Getty Images
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10. Noah Okafor - doubt
Got his first start for Leeds on Tuesday and got 84 minutes under his belt. However the Swiss international has some minor muscle complaints and is therefore a doubt. | Getty Images
11. Noah Okafor - doubt (continued)
Farke said on Thursday: "He’s more or less the only player who came out of Sheffield Wednesday with a few doubts. Spoke about groin problems. More or less the only major doubt." | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
12. James Justin - possible debut
The full-back, who joined in a £10m deal from Leicester City last week, could get his first involvement this weekend. Likely to be in the squad if fit, with Isaac Schmidt on his way to Werder Bremen. Photo: Leeds United