‘We have scanned him’: Daniel Farke confirms crucial Leeds duo are doubts for West Ham clash…

“We have scanned him”: Daniel Farke confirms that key Leeds players are uncertain for the West Ham match.

Daniel Farke has stated that Leeds United have all players returning, yet his update indicates they are not fully prepared for the FA Cup match against West Ham on Sunday.

Farke maintained a positive outlook when discussing his team ahead of the FA Cup encounter with West Ham, claiming that “everyone is back” following the international break.

At first glance, this appears to be a significant advantage. However, the specifics behind this assertion reveal a contrasting reality. Leeds are just beginning to reintegrate their players into training.

Farke acknowledged that the entire squad will not train together until two days prior to the match. This leaves minimal time for preparation, particularly with several players dealing with minor injuries.

Leeds’ international players have returned in numbers, but not in optimal condition.

Farke emphasized that being available does not mean being ready. Although the squad is technically reunited, the physical fitness of several players is still in question.

He confirmed that there are “little knocks, minor issues” within the group, with “a few late decisions to make” before the match against West Ham. This raises immediate concerns about the stability of his starting lineup.

The timing poses the greatest challenge. Leeds will only have a complete training group for one significant session before the matchday. This is far from ideal, especially against a Premier League team.

This is not a squad finding its rhythm; it is one that is still attempting to regroup. Farke remarked: “Today, everyone is back, but for a few players, it’s just recovery sessions. Welsh players, Bijol, Gydmundsson, and others.

“The first time we will have them all back in training is tomorrow, and then just two days before the game. There are little knocks, minor issues, and a few late decisions to make.”

Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are doubts for the match against West Ham.

The international break has evidently disrupted Leeds at a critical juncture in the season.

Farke acknowledged that it is “always tricky”, particularly with players returning at varying times and in different physical conditions. Some players, like Gudmundsson, returned “buzzing”, while others have faced challenges.

Anton Stach serves as a clear example. The midfielder missed training earlier this week due to a hip issue, but Farke confirmed that he has now returned after Germany’s schedule permitted him to come back early.

Regarding Stach, Farke stated: “Anton Stach was struggling with hip problems and did not train yesterday, but he returned earlier as Germany played on Monday.”

He also commented on Dominic Calvert-Lewin: “There was a lot of travel, and at one point yesterday, he felt a slight issue with his hamstring. We sent him in. Today we have scanned him. Hopefully, he’ll be back tomorrow. I can’t definitively say yet if he will be available for Sunday.”

This situation highlights a broader issue. Players are not returning in consistent condition, leading to uncertainty throughout the squad.

Farke also recognized the emotional aspect of the break, mentioning players pursuing World Cup aspirations. This adds another layer of complexity to managing the team, both physically and mentally.

“It’s always tricky; it wasn’t the best international period for some players, as it was a significant dream to participate in the World Cup. But that’s football. Gudmundsson returned buzzing. This is life, and you must accept it.”

Leeds also faces a new concern in attack, as Noah Okafor’s situation highlights the fitness uncertainties within the squad.

Okafor was called back to the Switzerland squad but did not play, raising questions about his absence. The forward has now clarified that he was dealing with an injury issue.

This eliminates any notion of a tactical exclusion and instead places him squarely in the same category as several of his teammates. Available, but not necessarily at peak sharpness.

For Leeds, this is significant. Okafor’s participation could have been crucial against West Ham, but his lack of playing time during the break raises doubts about his readiness.

Farke will need to make another decision later.