Leeds United face Oxford United on Good Friday in a massive fixture but question marks remain over whether Dan James will take part.
Promotion back to the Premier League could be secured by Leeds United on Monday if they better Sheffield United’s points tally over the Easter Weekend double header.
Daniel Farke’s side take on Oxford United on Friday before returning to Elland Road to take on Stoke City on Monday. Chris Wilder’s stuttering Blades, meanwhile, face Cardiff City first and then travel to title-chasing Burnley.
It’s a massive weekend for Leeds but it’s still up in the air whether their star forward, Dan James, will be fit enough to play against Oxford.
After scoring the winning goal early on against Middlesbrough, James was forced off the field after suffering a hamstring strain.
That saw the Welsh winger miss the victory over Preston and he remains a doubt for the next fixture, but Leeds have hinted James will be involved after he took part in full training with the rest of the squad on Thursday.
Dan James takes part in full training ahead of Oxford fixture
Leeds shared a video on Friday morning of Thursday’s training session as the squad prepared for the trip to the Kassam Stadium.
The players were put through some gentle warm-up exercises and then took part in rondos in a light session.
James came out with his teammates and took part in every drill as normal, with no sign of discomfort or struggle.
It’s a clip that will no doubt delight Leeds fans, who will want the wing wizard to be involved in such a big game.
What Daniel Farke has said about Dan James fitness
Yet, Friday’s fixture may still come too soon for James to be involved in.
Ahead of the game, Farke revealed James is in contention to return but a late decision will be made on his inclusion. Though he should be fine for Stoke if not Oxford.
The manager said: “Joe Rothwell will definitely miss this weekend’s game. We hope to have him available for the last home game against Bristol City. With Dan James, it looks slightly better.
“It is fair to say at this stage we will probably have him available for the Monday game. If he can play against Oxford? Late decision. Likely, he is available on Monday, trying everything we can.”
With the next game coming so soon and Bristol City to face next week, it might be a risk to bring back James on Friday.
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