Daniel James FA Cup absence explained as Okafor worry for Leeds at Birmingham | OneFootball

Leeds United faced fresh injury worries during their FA Cup fourth-round win at Birmingham City, with Noah Okafor limping off and Daniel James missing out.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, James was withdrawn from the travelling squad the day before the tie after back pain left him unable to sprint. The Wales international has endured a disrupted season, including abdominal, ankle and hamstring issues, and has managed only four Premier League starts.

On Sunday at St Andrews, the Championship hosts were on top in the first half, and Leeds required penalties to reach the fifth round. Okafor left in the second half having earlier clutched his hamstring after a burst to the byline, received treatment on the pitch, then was replaced.

Head coach Daniel Farke said Okafor felt something in his muscle after sprinting and he hoped it was cramp, though assessment was needed. He explained James reported a back problem and could not sprint on Saturday, so was omitted. Farke added he hoped Okafor would not become another attacking absentee.

Leeds were also without Pascal Struijk and Anton Stach for the cup tie, though both could be back for next weekend's Premier League trip to Aston Villa.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk