Leeds United face late fitness decisions but dealt big winger blow
Daniel Farke will have to make some late decisions before naming his Leeds United starting XI against Burnley on Saturday lunchtime, but has no new major injury concerns following the international break.
The Whites had a raft of players away with their countries, but Farke comfirmed that everyone was back in training after efforts around the world. However, the Leeds boss revealed winger Dan James will be out until the next international break after suffering a setback in his recovery.
Austrian defender Max Wober remains a doubt but Patrick Bamford could come back into contention after returning to training. However, Farke warned the experienced No 9 will not be at full match fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
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"The break is what it is," Farke said. "It's more difficult for us than other clubs with more or less 13 players who were away. The first week is tricky because we had just eight field players for training. We trained step by step with the lads from Tuesday, 10, then 11 yesterday, today with 16 and some today with a recovery session. We have some late decisions tomorrow on small injuries.
"There's a question on Max Wober with a knee problem in his meniscus, that's why he missed Austria's second game. So a wuestion on his availability. Daniel James had re-injury during his rehab and reinjury is worse than the one before. He's out for four weeks until after the next break. There's some hope he can get back before, but realistically we think it's after the next break.
"There are some knocks and hits like always, but apart from that, everyone is in training and available for this game. Patrick Bamford has been training since Tuesday so today was his third day back. There's a difference between training and being match fit. We will still be careful with him but it's good he is back in training."
Leeds go into the game one point and two places better off than Burnley in the early Championship table. Scott Parker's side come into the game on the back of a three-match winless streak following a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland and a 1-1 draw with Lancashire rivals Blackburn, either side of their Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Premier League side Wolves.