⚪ Leeds United vs West Ham – Full Injury Update, Tactical Outlook, and Selection Dilemmas for Daniel Farke
As Leeds United prepare to host West Ham under the Elland Road floodlights this Friday, the mood around the club is growing increasingly tense. While Daniel Farke remains composed in his media duties, behind the scenes the pressure is building. Leeds’ defeat to Burnley last weekend was more than just a bump in the road — it has left the team teetering on the edge of a potential collapse in form at a vital point in the season.
Now, as Farke readies his side to face a struggling yet dangerous West Ham team, he’s facing serious selection dilemmas due to a combination of injuries, illness, and inconsistent form. There are four major doubts confirmed, key players returning, and rising pressure on others who’ve yet to live up to expectations. All of this sets the stage for a pivotal night in front of the home crowd.
🧭 Context: Why This Game Matters More Than Most
Let’s be clear: Leeds are entering must-win territory.
The defeat at Turf Moor didn’t just set back the club’s push for promotion — it exposed worrying flaws in Leeds’ approach to high-pressure games. The team looked disjointed in attack, lacked a clinical edge, and failed to impose themselves in a match that, on paper, they were favoured to win. It wasn’t just about the result — it was about how Leeds lost: with hesitation, sloppy ball retention, and an absence of creativity in the final third.
Friday’s match against West Ham now takes on added significance for multiple reasons:
Leeds are at home and desperately need to bounce back.
West Ham are coming off a humiliating loss to Brentford — confidence in their camp is shaky.
Promotion rivals are gaining ground — every point now matters more than ever.
Questions are beginning to mount about Daniel Farke’s tactical adaptability and squad rotation.
The importance of a convincing response can’t be overstated.
🔴 Injury Report: Four Key Doubts + Ongoing Issues
Daniel Farke confirmed in his pre-match press conference that four players are major doubts for Friday’s clash — two of them vital to Leeds’ attacking threat, and two key figures in defence and midfield.
🩹 1. Noah Okafor (Winger)
Status: Doubtful – late fitness test required.
Injury: Minor knock (unspecified).
Impact: High.
Okafor had been finding form before the international break and was starting to grow in confidence. His absence against Burnley was glaring — Leeds lacked width, drive, and unpredictability. Farke revealed that Okafor has resumed light training but isn’t fully fit yet. A decision will be made close to kickoff.
If he’s unavailable, Leeds are short of senior natural wingers on the left, forcing Farke to either reassign players out of position or rely on youth.
🩹 2. Willy Gnonto (Winger)
Status: Doubtful – also facing a late fitness test.
Injury: Ongoing muscle issue.
Impact: High.
Gnonto’s season has been marred by inconsistency and fitness issues. Like Okafor, he has missed recent training and is also rated as 50/50 for the match. His absence would further weaken Leeds’ options out wide and reduce their ability to stretch West Ham’s defence, which has been vulnerable when isolated one-on-one.
Farke emphasised that Leeds will not rush either player back and risk a longer-term setback — but given the stakes, their availability could influence the outcome significantly.
🤒 3. Pascal Struijk (Centre-Back)
Status: Doubtful – illness.
Impact: Very high.
Struijk has been a regular starter and arguably one of Leeds’ most consistent defenders. His form dipped slightly in the Spurs match, and he was indirectly involved in the second goal against Burnley — but he remains one of the few defenders who can play out from the back under pressure.
He’s missed multiple training sessions due to illness, and Farke confirmed his condition is being monitored daily. Even if he is passed fit, questions remain about whether he’ll be at 100%.
🤒 4. Ethan Ampadu (CM/CB)
Status: Doubtful – illness.
Impact: Very high.
Ampadu’s versatility and leadership have been vital this season. He’s played both as a deep-lying midfielder and in central defence, offering stability in transition. His absence would leave Leeds vulnerable in both positions, especially if paired with Struijk’s absence.
Farke confirmed Ampadu also missed several days of training due to a flu-like illness. Like Struijk, he’s a major doubt for Friday night and will need to be assessed late.
🤕 5. Anton Stach (Midfielder)
Status: Available but limited.
Injury: Broken finger + rib issue.
Impact: Medium.
Stach has been playing through injury, and while he remains available, his fitness has clearly impacted his performances. Farke noted that his form has dipped and acknowledged that he may need to be managed carefully. Given the absences in midfield, Stach may still be required to start — but don’t expect a full-throttle display.
✅ Good News: Dan James Returns
One of the few positives heading into this match is the return of Dan James. The Welsh winger is now fit and available, giving Leeds at least one explosive option out wide. His pace, pressing ability, and work ethic could be crucial, particularly if Okafor and Gnonto are both ruled out.
James may be asked to shoulder a heavy load on the flanks and will need to rediscover the end product that has occasionally eluded him this season.
🚪 The Door Opens: Jaka Bijol Set for Debut?
Arguably the most talked-about storyline this week is the potential debut of Jaka Bijol. The Slovenian centre-back has been on the fringes since arriving at Leeds, with Farke reluctant to throw him into Premier League action. However, with Struijk and Ampadu both in doubt, this may be Bijol’s moment.
Bijol impressed on international duty with Slovenia, showcasing his composure and reading of the game. Many fans feel his lack of minutes has been unjustified, especially given recent defensive struggles. If he starts on Friday, all eyes will be on how he handles the pressure — and whether he can establish himself as a reliable option going forward.
🔍 Tactical Implications & Selection Challenges
If multiple players are ruled out, Farke could be forced into his most dramatic reshuffle of the season. Here are some likely changes and considerations:
✳️ If Okafor & Gnonto Are Out:
Dan James starts on one wing.
Possible shift to a narrow attacking shape (e.g. 4-2-2-2).
Youth options like Matteo Joseph or Sonny Perkins may feature on the bench.
✳️ If Struijk & Ampadu Are Out:
Jaka Bijol likely starts at CB.
Charlie Cresswell may return to the XI or be used off the bench.
Farke may opt for a more cautious double-pivot midfield, possibly using Ilia Gruev and Stach.
✳️ Midfield Depth Concerns:
With Stach limited and Ampadu potentially out, Farke may need to turn to Darko Gyabi, Gruev, or even Archie Gray to fill the gaps.
✳️ Formation Adjustments?
A 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 remains most likely.
If Farke wants more stability, a 3-5-2 is possible, allowing Bijol, Cresswell, and Rodon to all feature.
🗣️ Final Thoughts: Leeds Must Respond
Leeds United cannot afford to drop more points — not at home, not against a vulnerable opponent, and not with promotion rivals closing in. West Ham may be wounded, but they still have Premier League quality and will look to exploit any uncertainty in Leeds’ ranks.
Farke must walk a tightrope:
Protect injured players without leaving his side exposed.
Trust youth and fringe players without sacrificing control.
Maintain attacking intent without leaving the defence overrun.
This is the kind of week where a manager earns his reputation.
Whether Bijol steps up, whether James delivers, and whether Leeds can rediscover their attacking rhythm — all of this will define what kind of team Leeds truly are: contenders or pretenders.