Noah Okafor
LEE
Left Winger
Center Forward
One-v-One Creator
May 24, 2000 (26)
Right
6'1"
187 lb
Two shots from bench
Okafor recorded two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus Sunderland.
Analysis: Okafor returned from injury Sunday and would get some time on the field, playing 25 minutes. In his time on the field, he would record two shots and a chance created. He will now look to return to a starting role, starting in six of his seven appearances before the injury.
Cleared for substitute role
Okafor (adductor) is available off the bench for Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland after dealing with an adductor issue.
Analysis: Okafor has recovered sufficiently from his adductor problem to be included in Sunday's matchday squad against Sunderland, although he has been left out of the starting XI. The Swiss forward has made seven Premier League appearances this season, including six starts, contributing one goal while playing a regular role in Leeds' attack. Harry Wilson takes his place in the lineup, ending Okafor's recent run as a preferred starter. Okafor remains an option off the bench, with his recent fitness concerns potentially limiting his involvement against Sunderland.
Questionable with adductor issue
Okafor (adductor) is questionable for Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland after developing adductor problems, according to coach Daniel Farke. "Stach and Okafor have some adductor problems."
Analysis: Okafor is dealing with an adductor issue that has cast doubt on his availability for Sunday's encounter against Sunderland. The Swiss forward has made seven Premier League appearances this season, including six starts, contributing one goal while establishing himself as a regular presence in Leeds' attack. The extent of his injury remains unclear, and his participation will depend on his recovery ahead of the weekend. Lukas Nmecha could receive additional playing time if Okafor is unable to feature, although no definitive decision has been made regarding his availability.
Unable to make attacking impact
Okafor generated one shot (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Manchester United.
Analysis: Okafor operated in an advanced attacking role behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin, attempting one shot and delivering two crosses across 74 minutes. The Swiss forward had an opportunity to threaten Manchester United's goal after halftime but sent his effort over the crossbar. He has made seven Premier League appearances this season, including six starts, contributing one goal. His continued involvement in Leeds' attacking lineup provides opportunities for further offensive production, although competition for places could lead to rotation.
Involved in buildup to opener
Okafor registered one shot (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 loss against Arsenal.
Analysis: Okafor played 71 minutes against Arsenal, registering one off-target shot and two unsuccessful crosses while contributing to Leeds' attacking transitions. He initiated the move leading to James Justin's opening goal with a pass down the left flank for Gabriel Gudmundsson and nearly connected with a Jayden Bogle cross shortly afterward. The forward has started five consecutive Premier League matches, operating either as an attacking midfielder or central striker, and has recorded one goal, six shots, two chances created and 11 crosses across six league appearances. His versatility and regular starting role continue to make him an important attacking option for manager Daniel Farke.
Makes fourth straight start
Okafor generated one shot (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Okafor completed his fourth consecutive Premier League start but was unable to make a decisive attacking contribution before being replaced after 76 minutes. The forward has scored once during his current four-match run in the starting XI, giving him some production despite Sunday's quiet outing. His continued selection suggests he remains a regular part of Leeds' attacking setup.
Nets goal Monday
Okafor scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Monday's 4-1 win versus Newcastle United.
Analysis: Okafor latched onto a loose ball at the edge of the box and blasted a first-time effort out of Lukas Hornicek's reach to give Leeds a 4-0 cushion. The Swiss winger has started in Leeds' last three matches, and this was his first goal of the campaign. After being limited to 69 and 62 minutes in his previous two starts, this was clearly a step in the right direction for Okafor.
No shots in quiet attacking performance
Okafor recorded no stats of note in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Brighton.
Analysis: Okafor had a very quiet performance in 62 minutes for Leeds as he failed to shoot or create a chance. He only completed three of his seven passes and drew one foul, while also conceding a foul.
Two shots in tie
Okafor registered two shots (zero on goal) and four crosses (one accurate) in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Analysis: Okafor was introduced into the starting XI in place of Harry Wilson and was lively throughout his 69 minutes, darting beyond his opposite number early in the match to deliver a dangerous cross toward the onrushing Jayden Bogle before curling an effort toward the far corner that Kristoffer Ajer headed away in the second half. He registered two shots without troubling Caoimhin Kelleher and was replaced by Lukas Nmecha in the 68th minute as manager Daniel Farke sought more direct impact in the final third. Okafor still has to find his first goal contribution this season in two apperances as a rotational starter in manager Daniel Farke's system.
Accurate with only cross as sub
Okafor had one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-0 victory versus Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Okafor came on as a sub with 24 minutes to go in the Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest. The attacker started 19 of his 28 games played in last season and scored eight goals. In this short appearance he created a chance, while also completing his only cross attempt.
Comes off bench Saturday
Okafor (calf) came off the bench in Saturday's 1-1 friendly draw against Australia.
Analysis: Okafor missed the friendly against Jordan on May 30, but he entered this game in the 79th minute and received a yellow card. The Leeds United winger, who scored eight goals in 28 EPL appearances with the Elland Road outfit, should see regular playing time for Switzerland in the World Cup.
Misses friendly, likely for opener
Okafor (calf) missed Saturday's friendly against Jordan but is expected to be fit ahead of the World Cup opener, according to the Swiss FA.
Analysis: Okafor is still working on his return and is not being risked yet, as the forward was absent for a friendly as Switzerland prepares for the World Cup. However, his status for the World Cup has been reinforced, as the forward is expected to be fit for the "long run." He is likely to serve as a backup for the national team at forward, earning minutes here and there until a breakout performance ensues
Won't return this season
Okafor (calf) is out for Sunday's match against Sunderland, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Noah is still out."
Analysis: Okafor was originally labeled as out for two games, but will miss more than that, missing a third match and the season finale. The forward then ends his campaign, a decent first run in the Premier League, as he prepares for the next campaign. That said, he notched nine goals on 35 shots and one assist on 20 chances created in 28 appearances (19 starts) this campaign.
Out two games
Okafor is out for the next two weeks due to a calf strain, according to assistant manager Edmund Riemer. "Then we have got another one with Noah, who picked up a calf strain, so he will miss the next two games. We are hopeful that he will be available for the last game. He sustained an injury in the calf after the FA Cup game. It was the right calf where he got a contusion. And, in the Burnley game, the left calf. So likely will be out the next two games and, as I said, we are hopeful that he will be back for the last game."
Analysis: Okafor is going to sit out the next two games after suffering from a calf strain in FA Cup play, a rough delay for the forward as the end of the season approaches. After starting in their past six games, this is a major loss for the club in the attack, leaving Lukas Nmecha or Brenden Aaronson to return to the starting XI. The good news is Okafor is expected to return for the final match of the season, hopefully fit enough to end the campaign in a starting role.
Scores in Friday's win
Okafor scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Friday's 3-1 victory over Burnley.
Analysis: Okafor scored in Friday's victory, a goal in the 52nd minute which took the 2-0 lead assisted by Jayden Bogle. He now has nine goal contributions this season, five of which have come in the last four matches. This excellent run of form has helped Leeds gain essentially enough points to avoid relegation. He also created two chances and recorded two crosses before he was subbed off in the 65th minute for Lukas Nmecha.
Makes starting XI
Okafor (calf) is in the starting lineup for Friday's game against Burnley.
Analysis: Okafor was dealing with a calf injury sustained during the FA Cup semifinals, but the striker has recovered in time to maintain his regular place in the Whites' attack next to Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Okafor has been productive of late with three goals and one assist over his last three EPL appearances.
Late call Friday
Okafor (calf) took a hit to his calf during the FA Cup semifinal and is a doubt for Friday's clash against Burnley, according to coach Daniel Farke. "Okafor got a hit against his calf, there's a question mark behind his availability."
Analysis: Okafor's status will be determined following further assessment before Friday's match, with manager Daniel Farke stopping short of ruling him out while acknowledging uncertainty heading into the fixture. Wilfried Gnonto and Lukas Nmecha are expected to be among the candidates to fill in should Okafor be unable to go. His availability is one of several fitness concerns for Leeds heading into a crucial stretch of the season.
Records goal and assist
Okafor scored one goal and assisted once from two shots and four chances created in Saturday's 3-0 win against Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Okafor played a decisive role in Saturday's 3-0 win over Wolverhampton at Elland Road, scoring in the first half after converting Brenden Aaronson's inch-perfect low cross to the far post, then creating a chance earlier in the move that led to James Justin's opener just two minutes prior. The Swiss winger remained a constant threat on the left flank throughout, adding an interception defensively and finishing as his side's most dangerous wide outlet with four key passes. Okafor has now scored three goals in his last two Premier League appearances, taking his season tally to seven and firmly establishing himself as his team's second top scorer.
Scores brace in win
Okafor scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Monday's 2-1 win versus Manchester United.
Analysis: Okafor made the starting lineup after dealing with a back issue, and he scored both goals that led to his team's big win at Old Trafford, firing low shots from inside and outside the box in the fifth and 29th minutes, respectively. The fact that Okafor has recorded four goals and two assists across his last six official appearances makes him a serious threat if he continues to be chosen over Lukas Nmecha in upcoming fixtures.
Finds starting XI
Okafor (back) is in the starting XI for Monday's match against Manchester United.
Analysis: Okafor has healed from his back injury and is one of the numerous players returning to the starting XI immediately following an injury, as he sees the start at forward. He will now look to remain in this role moving forward alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as Okafor has bagged four goals in 24 appearances (15 starts) this season.
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