Daniel James targets injury-free pre-season after disrupted 2025/26 at Leeds United | OneFootball

Daniel James is targeting a clean bill of health for Leeds United’s pre-season after an injury-hit 2025/26, having ended the campaign back in the side.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the winger missed 18 games for club and country with separate issues, most notably a hamstring tendon problem that sidelined him for two months, while a groin strain cost him three weeks in the spring.

He featured in each of Leeds’ final four league matches and now links up with Wales for friendlies against Ghana and Romania this week. The fixtures carry little meaning with Wales not heading to the World Cup, but they offer valuable minutes.

He feels a lot fitter on international duty after a sustained period of availability and late-season minutes, and is in a good place. Previous summers were disrupted by slight injuries, so his focus is to enter pre-season as fit as possible.

Leeds surpassed their primary aim of survival, finishing 14th on 47 points and securing safety with three games to spare. Elland Road is set for an active summer as decision-makers look to build through recruitment and stadium development.

Pre-season includes a tour of the USA and a Dublin meeting with Manchester United. He also reflected that it had been a brilliant year for club, and that missing the World Cup with Wales was disappointing, a setback he feels fuels upcoming matches.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk