Daniel Farke has given Leeds a late fitness scare before Sunderland, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor and Anton Stach all major doubts for the trip to the Stadium of Light on Sunday. Farke said, "If the game was today, all three would not be available," before adding that they have all missed some training sessions this week.
Calvert-Lewin's foot bruise
The biggest worry is Calvert-Lewin, because he has four league goals in seven appearances and has been a major part of Leeds' early attacking output. Farke said the striker got a tackle and a foul late in the last game and is "struggling with a bruise on his foot", leaving a question mark over his availability.
That is why the situation feels worse than a routine knock. Leeds are waiting on a player who has already done a lot of the scoring this season, and the numbers around his start make the uncertainty more awkward.
Leeds' other doubts and the boost from Daniel James
Stach is also a concern with a foot problem, while Okafor is dealing with adductor problems. Farke said both are in the same category as Calvert-Lewin, and that if the game were played today none of the three would make the squad.
There was one small lift in the update. Farke said, "We have to wait to assess who is available. Joe Rodon is still out but Daniel James is in contention."
James has only three league appearances and 55 minutes so far, so his return to contention is more about depth than a guaranteed solution. Leeds go to Sunderland vs Leeds on Sunday still with time to make changes, but the main names in the attack are all still being assessed.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →
