Daniel James targets clean pre-season after injury-hit year at Leeds United | OneFootball

Daniel James is targeting a smooth pre-season with Leeds United after an injury-hit 2025/26, having finished the campaign back in the side.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the winger missed 18 matches for club and country across the season. A hamstring tendon problem ruled him out for two months, while a spring groin strain cost a further three weeks. He returned to play in each of Leeds’ final four league fixtures.

He now links up with Wales for friendlies against Ghana and Romania this week. With no World Cup ahead, the games offer him more minutes to build fitness.

James said he feels far fitter on arrival in camp, having banked minutes late in the season, and believes he is in a good place. He added that slight summer injuries in recent years have hampered pre-season, so he wants to be as fit as possible this time.

Leeds ended an encouraging campaign on 47 points in 14th, securing safety with three matches to spare. Decision-makers at Elland Road aim to build on that with recruitment and stadium development, while pre-season includes a USA tour and a Dublin meeting with Manchester United. James reflected that Leeds achieved their survival target and said they want to become established in the Premier League, while Wales’ World Cup miss fuels their next fixtures.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk