For the final time this year, Leeds United take to the pitch and they do so at the Stadium of Light, away from home against the Premier League’s surprise package, Sunderland.
It is a big game for Daniel Farke’s side as they look to maintain their run of four games unbeaten in the Premier League. Wins against Chelsea and Crystal Palace, as well as draws against Liverpool and Fulham.
A great run of results, but now Leeds face a stern test, and one similar to what many clubs feel when they go to Elland Road. Leeds face a newly-promoted side, who are physical, in front of a superb home crowd.
Six points clear of the bottom three – Leeds can start to relax… can’t they? 😤
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But a total of 11 players could miss the match, with Leeds looking likely to be without three key players before they go to Wearside on the 28th. Sunderland, however, will be without as many as eight players.
Leeds United trio and Daniel Farke’s update on Lukas Nmecha
It won’t come as a surprise to know that Dan James remains on the sidelines with a hamstring problem. While he has avoided the need for surgery, James is expected to be out until late January at the earliest.
When Sean Longstaff received his prognosis, it was said he’d be out for 4-6 weeks. We are now at four weeks, but Farke says there’s no chance he would be able to play against Sunderland on Sunday night.
However, Lukas Nmecha could be in line to return to the squad after missing Liverpool, Brentford and then Palace. The summer signing has a calf problem but Farke stated Nmecha would be a late call.
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Would you make any changes for Sunderland? 🤔
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Why Sunderland are missing so many players ahead of Leeds
Interestingly, Sunderland only have one injury, far less than Leeds. Aji Alese, who has fallen down the pecking order having last played in 2024-25, is slowly making a recovery from his long-term injury.
Luke O’Nien is suspended for the match, having been sent off against Man City earlier this month. But six others are missing through the AFCON and their decision to jet off and represent their countries.
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DR Congo duo Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki are absent, while Habib Diarra was an unused sub in Senegal’s 3-0 win over Botswana yesterday. Chemsdine Talbi was also an unused sub for hosts Morocco.
Then, today, Reinildo Mandava and Bertrand Traore are in action for Mozambique and Burkina Faso. That means Sunderland will definitely be without eight players when they host Leeds, 11 missing in total.
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