'Is also out' - Daniel Farke confirms Leeds United injury absence for Crystal Palace clash

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has provided an injury update ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Whites have been in good form of late, now three unbeaten, taking five points from games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Brentford, which represents a very good return, especially for a side battling relegation.

That resolute spell has seen Leeds move three points ahead of the relegation zone, and they will be eyeing another big result at Elland Road this weekend.

Palace have a quick turnaround having played in the Conference League on Thursday night, though Oliver Glasner did make 11 changes for that game, so his men will still be pretty well rested.

As for Leeds, they will be without Daniel James, who has an injury, though there is some good news for the Welshman. “No surgery so thank God,” Farke told the media. “It is a conservative route but we spoke about that it will still be about eight weeks in total that he would be out before he can then return back to team training.

“Then let’s see how quick he is and also back to full speed and that he can then join in the games.”

Speaking about Sean Longstaff’s recovery, Farke added: “With Sean, he is progressing in his rehab, also doing individual stuff on the pitch. Also running stuff and also a little bit with the ball. But the first step will be for him to be reintegrated in team training. And then he needs, of course, a few training sessions to be back available. So he is not back in team training. So for that, we decided then also from game to game and from day to day.”

Finally, Farke confirmed that Lukas Nmecha will sit out despite being expected to return to contention. The Leeds boss added: “Yes, and also Lukas Nmecha is also out for the next game. So still a bit symptomatic. So I have the same group of players available.”

Farke’s praise for Glasner

Farke has some special praise for Palace boss Glasner, who has emerged as one of the most impressive managers currently working in England, leading to links with some big jobs.

Farke said: “He's doing a fantastic job, not just with Crystal Palace, even before in the Bundesliga. Quality is always defined by performance over a long-term period and this is what Oliver is delivering right now. Incredible job at Crystal Palace and yeah, fantastic manager."

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