Daniel Farke shares what he really thinks about Leeds United’s chances of winning promotion

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Leeds United’s pursuit of promotion back to the Premier League took a big hit this week with captain Ethan Ampadu ruled out until the new year with a knee injury.

Daniel Farke confirmed Ampadu’s injury on Monday, joining a long list of senior players on the sidelines. Ampadu has joined Max Wober, Manor Solomon and Dan James in missing Friday’s clash at Sunderland.

There could be more, too. Farke said he is waiting on Ilia Gruev’s scan before deciding whether the left-footed midfielder can travel to Wearside while Farke also said Isaac Schmidt may return before Friday.

The draw at Norwich without the likes of Ampadu, Solomon and James saw Leeds climb into fourth place, but results on Wednesday pushed Leeds back into fifth. A win at Sunderland could see Leeds go first.

At least, until the rest of the weekend’s games take place. Sunderland currently sit top after a win over Derby County, and manager Farke was asked about his side’s chances of promotion during 2024-25.

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Daniel Farke discusses Leeds’ chances of promotion this season

Having accumulated 90 points last season and reached the play-off final, Leeds are obviously being billed as one of the Championship’s best sides and in with a strong chance of securing automatic promotion.

But this is a new side compared to last season with Archie Gray, Glen Kamara, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter moving on. Farke is “excited” by his side but feels it is “unfair” to apply lots of pressure.

“After so many changes and all the players we have had go and come in, we have an exciting group. But with such a young group, it would be unfair to put the burden of being big favourites on their shoulders.

“I believe in this group and we can be right there in the mix, but it is unfair to give us the label of big favourites. Away we are unbeaten, nearly perfect. At home, our performances have been really good.”

How many points did Leeds have at this point last season?

Leeds have four wins, three draws and one loss so far this season, raking in 15 points from eight games. Not a bad return at all, given Leeds have also faced West Brom away, Norwich away and Burnley.

Leeds after eight games during 2023-24:

So while there are doubts about this season’s starts and obviously, the injuries sustained do not help, Leeds do find themselves two points better off at this point than they did during Farke’s first season.

However, another incredibly tough fixture awaits on Friday night as Leeds go to the early pace-setters. The surprise package that is Sunderland with Regis Le Bris starring in his first couple of months as boss.