Leeds United have received a huge boost to their promotion aspirations after manager Daniel Farke confirmed Dan James is nearing a return.
The Welsh international has been the crown jewel of a talented Leeds squad this season, pitching in with 12 goals and nine assists in 35 Championship appearances. This has seen him given a nomination for the Championship Player of the Season, with the Whites closing in on a return to the Premier League.
The pacey winger was absent for last weekend’s win over Preston North End, sparking fears that he could miss the run-in. Prior to that, he had fired the winner in a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough to send the Yorkshire-based team back to the top of the table.
Farke Confirms Imminent Return
Leeds next take to the pitch on Good Friday, the first of two games over the busy Easter weekend. They travel to Oxford United before hosting Stoke City at Elland Road on Easter Monday.
James is set to return for at least one of those fixtures, although the trip to the Kassam Stadium could come too soon. Speaking to the media, Farke delivered a positive update:
“With Daniel James it looks a bit better and at this stage it looks like we will definitely have him available for the Monday game. If he is available to play in the Good Friday game against Oxford it will be a late decision, so we have another 24 hours to see.”
Should the former Manchester United attacker be deemed unavailable, the German is likely to name 13-time Italian international Willy Gnonto on the right-hand side of his attack.
Writer’s View
Dan James has enjoyed a career revitalisation at Elland Road. After falling out of favour at Manchester United, he made the move across the Pennines in 2021. However, he truly burst back onto the scene following their relegation to the Championship in 2023 and has hit 25 goals over the last two seasons. He will be the favourite to win the division’s Player of the Season and having him return for the run-in will provide a major hope to Leeds’ title hopes.
