Leeds hand Daniel James late fitness test for Chelsea tie after Brighton warm-up issue | OneFootball

Leeds United winger Daniel James faces a late fitness test for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup trip to Chelsea after reporting back and hamstring discomfort before the Brighton draw.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the winger was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton. Leeds visit Stamford Bridge in the third round on Wednesday, having beaten Nottingham Forest 2-0 and gone four unbeaten.

Head coach Daniel Farke confirmed Joe Rodon remains a long-term absentee. Scans for James were clear and he completed an individual session on Tuesday. He will be assessed across two more sessions, one this afternoon and a light one tomorrow morning.

Farke said there is a little question mark, and he is cautiously optimistic James will be available if he comes through those checks.

James endured an injury-hit 2025/26 and had recently said he felt closer to his best after a proper pre-season, with early displays promising. Farke suggested the lengthy, delayed journey to Brighton might have aggravated the back issue, and stressed travel must be handled professionally while avoiding any risk, adding the clear scan should reassure the player.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk

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