Daniel Farke has confirmed Daniel James will miss Leeds United's trip to Arsenal on Saturday after returning from international duty with a back injury, while the Whites boss offered mixed news on the fitness of Jean-Matteo Bahoya and Harry Wilson.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, as reported by football.london, Farke revealed James picked up the problem while away with Wales and will sit out the Emirates showdown against the reigning Premier League champions, who remain unbeaten alongside Leeds after five games.
"Also, Daniel James will miss the Arsenal game, so he is out with a back injury," Farke said. "He came back with this back injury, more or less, from his national team and for that he is not available for this game."
Rodon not ready despite progress
There was also no return date for defensive leader Joe Rodon, who has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in the draw with Brentford at the end of August and was initially expected to be out for eight to ten weeks.
"Joe is on his way back in his rehab making good progress," Farke said. "He has already had individual sessions on the pitch but it will be a bit until he is back in team training."
Mateo Joseph also remains unavailable with a cruciate ligament injury that is expected to keep the forward out until the new year.
Boost for Bahoya and Wilson
The brighter news concerned summer signing Jean-Matteo Bahoya, who withdrew from France Under-21 duty with an ankle strain but trained with the squad on Thursday for the first time since the injury.
"Jean-Matteo Bahoya came also back with an ankle strain but looks way better," Farke added. "He was today the first time with us out on the pitch. We have to wait right now for how his body reacts but it seems like there is a chance that he is available. At least there was progress."
Harry Wilson, who suffered a muscle injury before the goalless draw with Crystal Palace and subsequently withdrew from the Wales squad, could also be in contention after returning to team training earlier this week.
"And also some good news with Harry Wilson after his muscle injury – he is back in team training since Tuesday," Farke said. "Again, we also have to wait right now how his body reacts but there is also a chance for him to be available going into this game."
Farke's classy Arteta verdict
Despite the selection headaches, Farke was generous in his praise of Mikel Arteta's side, who have looked formidable this season after winning last season's title.
"Arsenal deserved the title last season. They were in the Champions League final. Flawless before the Brighton game," he said, before the Whites look to end the Gunners' unbeaten start at the Emirates.
Season's toughest test
Saturday's trip to north London is billed as the biggest test of Leeds' impressive campaign so far. Farke's men remain unbeaten after five league matches following promotion, but the memory of last season's 5-0 defeat at the Emirates will linger.
With Rodon, James and Joseph already ruled out and Bahoya and Wilson still doubtful, the Leeds boss may have to get creative with his team selection against a side few expect his team to take anything from. Yet a strong performance in defeat would still sustain the momentum Farke has built before the run of fixtures that follows.
Beyond the Final Whistle: Farke's honesty is refreshing, but the injury list is growing at exactly the wrong moment. Losing James's pace against Arsenal's high line is a genuine blow, yet the potential returns of Bahoya and Wilson offer real hope. Leeds have nothing to lose at the Emirates — can they become the first team to beat the champions this season? Let us know in the comments.
