Leeds United have made a positive beginning to the Premier League campaign and one of their players has been making a huge impact behind the scenes at Thorp Arch.
Leeds winger Daniel James ruled out due to injury
Unfortunately, Daniel Farke has confirmed that Leeds United winger Daniel James has been ruled out due to injury and is expected to be out for four to six weeks, leaving the Whites searching for an alternative out wide.
He said: “Daniel James will be out for a few weeks, he’s rolled his ankle sadly in training. The doctors say he’s likely out four to six weeks so realistically we expect him back just after the November international break. If he would be back before it would be a bonus and a surprise. It’s not great news.”
Joel Piroe may well come back into Farke’s thinking following his exploits last season. Either way, the German coach has shown he can compete with the Premier League elite on a tactical level this term, and he will be keen to build on a draw against Newcastle United that could’ve easily yielded three points.
Wilfried Gnonto and Harry Gray are also on the sidelines until after the international break, compounding Leeds United’s bad luck with absentees since returning to the top-flight.
As it stands, a return of eight points from their opening six league games has bred optimism that a positive season could be on the cards. That may well be the case, though Farke’s ability to make adjustments could determine how many results his side pick up across their coming run of fixtures.
While injuries continue to complicate matters, one of the Whites’ summer signings has been given credit for the impact he has made since arriving at Elland Road.
Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin's telling impact
Speaking to TBR, Graeme Bailey has talked up Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s impact at Leeds United behind the scenes, claiming his teammates have been impressed with how his arrival has raised standards alongside his general contribution on the field thus far.
He said: “Leeds are really happy with how he’s settling in. When you bring in good-quality players, they rub off on each other, and that benefits the rest of the team. Okafor and Calvert-Lewin, coming up from the Championship, are a massive step up in quality for Leeds.
“They’re both international-calibre players, and their presence raises standards across the squad. Jack Harrison still has a role to play for Leeds. Calvert-Lewin may not be scoring as much as fans would like, but unless someone is hitting 40 goals a season, most forwards will face that criticism.
“Overall, they’re very happy with what they’ve seen so far. These players are influencing each other and the team positively, and they’ve been pretty impressive.”
One goal from five appearances for Calvert-Lewin probably doesn’t tell the full story. His enthusiasm, work rate and desire to lead the line efficiently has been an asset to Farke and has helped the Whites to pick up points over the last few weeks.
The England international looks somewhat revitalised after his spell at Everton came to and end, and supporters will hope he can start scoring regularly to offer the impact his general play deserves to yield.
