Daniel Farke provides Leeds United injury update on Calvert-Lewin, Stach and Okafor ahead of Sunderland clash

Leeds United could be without three key attacking players for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Sunderland, with Daniel Farke confirming Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach and Noah Okafor are all doubts following the draw with Manchester United.

The Whites travel to the Stadium of Light looking to build on their 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Elland Road, but Farke faces several late decisions over his team’s availability after all three players picked up injuries in the previous fixture.

Speaking to the media at Thorp Arch ahead of Sunday’s meeting, the Leeds head coach confirmed the trio had missed significant training time this week, leaving their involvement in Wearside uncertain.

“Our offensive players from the last game are all doubtful,” Farke explained.

“First of all, we have to wait and assess a little bit who is actually available for this game.”

Calvert-Lewin was among Leeds’ standout performers against Manchester United, scoring the equaliser after Bryan Mbeumo had opened the scoring for the visitors.

However, the striker has since been struggling with a painful foot injury sustained during the match.

Farke revealed the forward was caught by a late challenge and had yet to return to team training, although there had been some encouraging signs in his recovery.

“Dominic Calvert-Lewin got a tackle and a foul late on in the last game and he is struggling since this moment with a bruise on his foot. So, problems with this and still a question mark behind his availability,” the Leeds boss said.

“It has improved over the last days but he was not involved in team training yet. The good thing is we have a bit more time, 48 hours.”

Despite the uncertainty, Farke suggested Calvert-Lewin’s injury was not necessarily one that would require an extended period on the sidelines, with his availability likely to depend on how much discomfort he can tolerate.

“Of course, he is an important player. And, yeah, it is not a muscle injury where you have to be extra careful. It is more or less just a painful injury and as long as he can handle the pain, then everything will be okay.”

Stach is also facing a late fitness test after experiencing foot problems following the Manchester United draw.

The midfielder has become an important part of Leeds’ side, making his potential absence another concern for Farke ahead of a challenging away fixture.

Meanwhile, Okafor is dealing with a different issue, with the forward suffering from adductor problems that could require a more cautious approach to his recovery.

Farke explained that muscle injuries can present additional complications when determining whether a player is ready to return, particularly when there is a risk of aggravating the problem.

“Anton Stach the same - foot problem after the last game. It is painful at the moment, also a question mark behind his availability. And Noah Okafor is struggling with some adductor problems after the last game,” he added.

“It is different when you have a muscle injury like Noah. You have to be perhaps even a bit more careful in terms of minutes.”

The Leeds manager admitted that none of the three players would be available if the Sunderland fixture were being played immediately, although the additional recovery time before Sunday’s match could prove significant.

“If the game would be today, all three wouldn’t be available,” Farke said.

“They have missed many training sessions during this week. Good positive news is more or less that we still have two days to try, of course, to make them available.”

The final decisions will therefore depend on how the players respond over the remaining days, with Farke needing to assess not only whether they can feature but also how many minutes they could realistically manage.

“The question mark will be first who will be available, then also for how many minutes. We will have to assess them and we will need to take some late decisions.”

Daniel James returns to contention for Leeds United

Alongside the concerns surrounding Calvert-Lewin, Stach and Okafor, Farke provided an update on the wider squad, confirming that Joe Rodon is also a major doubt for the Sunderland fixture.

The Leeds boss was more optimistic about the availability of the remaining players, suggesting the majority of the squad had come through the week without significant problems.

There was also positive news regarding Daniel James, who has completed his first full week of training and is now in contention to feature against Sunderland.

“All three of them are, in addition to Joe Rodon, major doubts. All the others seem to be okay,” Farke said.

“Daniel James had his first full training week. He is definitely also in contention for this game.”

James’ return to contention could be particularly valuable if Leeds are unable to call upon Calvert-Lewin and Okafor, giving Farke another attacking option as he considers his starting line-up and potential substitutions.

Leeds will hope to have as many of their key players available as possible for the trip to Wearside, but the manager’s comments suggest their preparations could go down to the final hours before kick-off.

With three attacking players facing late fitness tests and Rodon also a concern, Farke must balance the importance of Sunday’s fixture with the need to avoid aggravating any existing injuries.

The additional recovery time offers some encouragement, but Leeds supporters will have to wait for a clearer picture of the squad’s availability before the team travels to Sunderland.