Leeds United facing 'late decisions' on key trio ahead of Sunderland clash

Leeds United are sweating on the fitness of three key attacking players ahead of Sunday’s visit to Premier League rivals Sunderland.

The Whites have enjoyed a largely positive first two months of the season and last weekend’s home draw with arch rivals Manchester United ensured they sit just two points shy of the top five ahead of their trip to the Stadium of Light. However, their home clash with the Red Devils has left head coach Daniel Farke with a number of injury concerns with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, versatile forward Noah Okafor and key midfielder Anton Stach all rated as doubtful for Sunday’s game.

There was some positive news for Farke with winger Dan James set to return to contention - but the former Norwich City boss admitted he was facing ‘late decisions’ over the level of involvement of three key figures. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Whites boss said: “Dominic Calvert-Lewin got a tackle and a foul late on in the last game and he is struggling since this moment with a bruise on his foot. So, problems with this and still a question mark behind his availability. Anton Stach the same – foot problem after the last game. It is painful at the moment, also a question mark behind his availability. And Noah Okafor is struggling with some adductor problems after the last game. If the game would be today, all three wouldn’t be available.

“They have missed many training sessions during this week. The good positive news is more or less that we still have two days to try, of course, to make them available. The question mark will be first who will be available, then also for how many minutes. We will have to assess them and we will need to take some late decisions. But all three of them are, in addition to Joe Rodon, major doubts.”

Revenge

Meanwhile, Leeds full-back Gabriel Gudmundsson has admitted the Whites are seeking revenge after they came out second best against Sunderland last season. The two sides battled to a 1-1 draw on Wearside in December before a Habib Diarra penalty helped the Black Cats earn a narrow win at Elland Road that boosted their hopes of pushing for a Europa League place. Gudmundsson insisted Leeds were the better of the two sides in their previous meeting at the Stadium of Light and believes the defeat is only adding fuel to their desire to gain revenge on Sunday.

He told BBC Radio Leeds: "Sunderland away is always difficult and we know that we have to be strong. It's going to be a challenge, but also we definitely want to have revenge from last time we were there. We were the better team and should have won that game, so you really want to go there and get something out of it this weekend. That will be massive for us going into Bournemouth the weekend after which is another really tough away game."

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