Leeds United's Attacking Trio Fitness Concerns Ahead of Sunderland Trip

Leeds United head to Sunderland on Sunday with Daniel Farke’s attacking plans hanging in the balance, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach and Noah Okafor all battle to be fit in time.

All three picked up injuries in the bruising clash with Manchester United and have barely featured in training this week. With Joe Rodon already a major doubt, Farke is preparing for late calls on some of his most influential players.

Calvert-Lewin pain concern

Calvert-Lewin took a heavy tackle late on against United and has been struggling since with a painful foot bruise. The striker has not yet returned to full team training, leaving Leeds anxiously watching the clock.

The upside for Farke is that the issue is impact rather than muscular. If the forward can manage the pain, he could still feature on Wearside, but as things stand his involvement remains in serious doubt.

“It has improved over the last days,” Farke explained, but the reality is simple: if the game were today, Calvert-Lewin would not be available.

Stach and Okafor add to selection headache

Stach is nursing his own foot problem from the same match and, like Calvert-Lewin, is described as a “question mark” for Sunday. The midfielder has also missed significant training time, leaving Leeds short of rhythm in the middle of the pitch just when they need it most.

Okafor’s situation is more delicate. The forward is dealing with adductor trouble, the kind of muscle issue that demands caution. Even if he makes the squad, Farke knows he may have to limit his minutes to avoid a more serious setback.

The pattern is worrying. Three key offensive players, all hurt in the same game, all short of training, all uncertain. The manager admitted that, as of now, none of the trio would be fit enough to play if kick-off came early.

Late decisions, thin margins

Leeds at least have time on their side. With roughly 48 hours before they travel, the medical team will push to give Calvert-Lewin, Stach and Okafor every chance to prove their fitness. Farke made it clear that decisions will go right to the wire, not just on availability but on how many minutes each can realistically offer.

Beyond that cluster of doubts and the ongoing concern over Rodon, the rest of the squad appears in decent shape. One bright note: Daniel James has completed his first full week of training and is firmly in contention to be involved.

Leeds arrive at a pivotal away day with their forward line wrapped in ice packs and uncertainty. By Sunday afternoon, we will know whether this is just a scare—or the first real test of their attacking depth this season.