Daniel Farke confirms big Dan James news at Leeds United - it could be key to promotion | OneFootball

Daniel Farke has confirmed that Dan James is closing in on a return to full fitness for Leeds United.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has refused to rule Dan James out of Friday night’s game at Oxford United as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

The Welsh international has been hugely influential for the Whites this season, with his 12 goals and nine assists helping the team to the top of the Championship.

So, it was a real concern when James was forced off with an injury late on against Middlesbrough, with that issue keeping him out of the victory over Preston last time out.

Daniel Farke provides Dan James injury update ahead of Oxford United vs Leeds United

However, when speaking to the club’s media, Farke revealed that there is a possibility James could feature at Oxford, although the fixture at home to Stoke City on Easter Monday may be a more realistic return date for the winger.

“Joe Rothwell will definitely miss Oxford but we hope to get him back for Bristol City. As for Dan James, we will probably have him for Monday, if he’s already able to play on Friday, that’s a late decision.”

If James is absent, Farke is likely to go with the same attacking line-up that started against North End, with Wilfried Gnonto in the XI ahead of James.

Dan James could be key for Leeds United during promotion run-in

Leeds aren’t yet over the line, but with four games to go, they do have one foot in the Premier League, partly because Burnley still have to play Sheffield United.

But, the only concern for Farke is his side, and they will be taking it one game at a time as they look to seal a return to the Premier League.

Clearly, having James back in the side would be a massive boost, as whilst the Whites are well-stocked for wingers, he has arguably been the standout performer in the entire division this season.

The former Man Utd man brings pace and energy down the flank, and he has now added a consistent end product to his game, which makes him very difficult to deal with.

But, Farke won’t take any risk with the player, as he knows he has enough quality in reserve, so it’s best to keep James back until he is 100% fit and ready to contribute.

So, it will be interesting to see the XI against Oxford on Good Friday, but the boss will be confident that whoever plays will have enough to get three points, which will take Leeds