Leeds United are back on top of the Championship table thanks to a superb win over Middlesbrough, but there is a concern surrounding Dan James following the victory.
Leeds came into the game in third place after one win in six and three consecutive draws, but managed to hold onto a priceless win at The Riverside. Dan James scored the only goal of the game three minutes in.
The scoreline stayed 1-0, even if Leeds had two disallowed goals through Ao Tanaka and Patrick Bamford. Both were ruled offside by the assistant, prompting Neil Warnock and Jermaine Beckford to react.
But a win is a win and it came at the perfect time, with Sheffield United losing a second successive match – a 2-0 home defeat to Millwall. Burnley meanwhile could only manage a point against in-form Derby.
Massive win but it has come at a cost as Dan James now injured
James was superb against Luton, scoring a 25-yard curler before nabbing the only goal of the game on Tuesday night. Stuart Dallas said James has been Leeds’ best player this season, netting his 12th so far.
But, he may now be on the sidelines. James was withdrawn on 73 minutes and it did not look good, and Daniel Farke has spoken about the injury in his post-match press conference following the 1-0 victory.
“He had a problem with his hamstring, Took him off not to risk anything. Might be turnaorund for next game is too quick. As it stands it doesn’t look too good,” Farke told reporters about James’ injury.
Middlesbrough win is massive, but losing Dan James is bigger
It is easily argued when saying that the one player Leeds could not afford to lose during the run-in is James. Leeds do not have another player like James, a player full of confidence after two goals in two.
Yes, Leeds have Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani waiting in the wings for an opportunity. But the key to securing points in a run-in is playing players with confidence and James has that in abundance right now.
Leeds fans will learn more on Thursday when Farke faces the media ahead of Saturday’s clash against Preston North End. Hopefully, if he is injured, it may only be for one or two of the remaining five games.
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