SAD NEWS: Leeds United’s key player, Liam Cooper, has been sidelined with an injury for over eight weeks, and it’s uncertain if he will return before the end of the season.

The Welsh striker returned to the bench for the Sheffield Wednesday match, despite scoring the winning goal against Stoke City earlier in the week.

Daniel Farke acknowledges the difficulty in benching Daniel James for Leeds United’s starting lineup but asserts that choosing Willy Gnonto over the Welsh forward against Sheffield Wednesday was a clear decision. Despite James’ remarkable form this season, contributing 11 goals to Leeds’ pursuit at the top of the Championship, he found himself on the bench at Hillsborough, with Gnonto given the nod. This tactical move proved effective as Gnonto scored Leeds’ second goal in their 2-0 victory.

Farke emphasizes the importance of squad rotation and managing player workload, highlighting James’ first full 90-minute appearance in recent weeks due to his recovery from injury. He praises James’ contribution, noting his exceptional intensity on the field, but underscores the necessity to trust the entire squad, particularly during a demanding schedule.

Farke also mentions Connor Roberts, who similarly put in a strong performance despite being his first full 90-minute game, demonstrating the squad’s depth and versatility. Looking ahead, Farke acknowledges the need to keep players fit and sharp for upcoming fixtures, as Leeds enjoys a rare nine-day break before their next Championship match against Millwall.