Daniel James could return for Leeds United at the Stadium of Light, while Sunderland have fitness decisions of their own ahead of Sunday’s meeting.

Leeds United could welcome Daniel James back into their squad for Sunday’s Premier League visit to Sunderland.

The Wales winger has been sidelined with a back problem but has returned to training, raising the possibility of Daniel Farke having another attacking option available at the Stadium of Light. According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, James was in contention for last weekend’s meeting with Manchester United but ultimately missed the squad, though his involvement against Sunderland remains uncertain.

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Joe Rodon is less likely to feature. The defender has been recovering from a hamstring injury, with Farke reporting progress last week but confirming he had not resumed team training. Mateo Joseph also remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered while on loan at Mallorca.

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Sunderland face their own selection decisions

For Régis Le Bris, the European trip to Lech Poznań comes before attention turns fully to Leeds, with Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor among the players whose fitness will shape his attacking choices. Brobbey was an unused substitute against Torreense before missing the Bournemouth squad. Le Bris subsequently indicated that his return needed careful management following a hamstring injury.

Isidor has also missed the last two matches, while Thomas Meunier is another player being assessed after a hamstring issue. Kevin Danso is due to serve a one-match league suspension following his dismissal at Bournemouth. Dan Ballard and Romaine Mundle remain sidelined through injury.

Any involvement for Sunderland’s returning players in Poland would provide a clearer indication of Le Bris’ options for Sunday, although availability for a European appearance would not automatically mean readiness to start again three days later.

The Echo’s Europa League coverage is sponsored by Amari Plastics. Covering all of North East England and Cumbria, Amari Plastics launched in 1975 and has built a reputation as the region's leading plastic distributor. During this time, we’ve established strong working relationships with businesses in three main market sectors: sign, display & large format printing, building & construction and industrial & engineering.

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