Daniel James
LEE
Right Winger
Wide Forward
Nov 10, 1997 (28)
Right
5'7"
139 lb
Remains sidelined with back injury
James (back) has been left out of the squad for Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland despite making progress in his recovery from injury.
Analysis: James remains sidelined for Sunday's encounter against Sunderland despite having recently returned to team training. The Welsh winger had missed Leeds' previous matches against Arsenal and Manchester United due to a back injury, and his absence Sunday extends his spell on the sidelines. He has played just 52 minutes across three Premier League appearances this season, all as a substitute, limiting his involvement in Leeds' attacking rotation. His continued absence leaves the club without an additional option on the wings, although his recent progress in training suggests he could be nearing a return.
Back in contention against Sunderland
James is back in contention for Sunday's Premier League clash against Sunderland after making progress in his recovery from a back injury, according to coach Daniel Farke. "Dan James is in contention for this game."
Analysis: James could make his return to competitive action Sunday after missing Leeds' recent encounters against Arsenal and Manchester United due to a back injury. The winger had resumed team training ahead of the Manchester United clash but was ultimately ruled out after failing to regain sufficient fitness. However, coach Farke's latest comments suggest that James has made further progress and could be included in the matchday squad against Sunderland. The Welsh international has played a limited role since the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign, accumulating just 52 minutes across three Premier League appearances, all off the bench. Given his lack of competitive action and recent fitness concerns, James is unlikely to immediately challenge for a starting role, although his potential return would provide Leeds with additional depth and pace on the wings.
Remains sidelined against Manchester United
James (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester United despite recently returning to training.
Analysis: James will miss another match after failing to recover sufficiently from the back injury that kept him out against Arsenal. The winger resumed training Thursday, raising hopes of a return against Manchester United, but he has not regained enough fitness to be included in the squad. James has played a limited role this season, totaling just 52 minutes across three Premier League appearances, all as a substitute. His continued absence leaves Leeds without an additional option on the wing, although it is unlikely to significantly affect the team's usual starting lineup.
Facing late fitness assessment
James (back) returned to training Thursday after being sidelined for around 10 days, but his availability for Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester United remains uncertain, according to coach Daniel Farke. "Yesterday, he was back on the pitch with us. We have to wait to see how his body reacts and how he comes through the last two sessions, but there is a chance that he is involved."
Analysis: James missed Leeds' previous match against Arsenal due to a back injury but has now taken an encouraging step toward returning to action. The winger has only recently resumed training, and his ability to handle increased intensity will be important in determining whether he can feature Sunday. James has played a limited role this season, recording just 52 minutes across three Premier League appearances, all as a substitute, meaning his potential absence would have little impact on Leeds' usual starting lineup.
Sidelined with back injury
James (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's clash against Arsenal due to a back injury, according to coach Daniel Farke, per Leeds Live. "James is out with a back injury"
Analysis: James returned from international duty with Wales after featuring in the first three Nations League matches before remaining on the bench against Denmark in the final fixture. The winger is now dealing with a back injury that will keep him out against Arsenal, with no clear timeline for his return. James has played a limited role for Leeds this season, totaling just 52 minutes across three Premier League appearances, all off the bench. His absence is therefore unlikely to affect manager Daniel Farke's usual starting lineup.
Plays 66 minutes in cup
James came through his back and hamstring scare to start Wednesday's 6-3 EFL Cup defeat at Chelsea, playing 66 minutes before being withdrawn.
Analysis: James came through the fitness concern over his back and hamstring sufficiently to start Wednesday's EFL Cup clash against Chelsea after Daniel Farke had said he needed to come through the next two sessions. His night ended after 66 minutes with his team trailing 4-2, and he also conceded a penalty during the match, but his ability to start suggests the earlier fitness concern was not enough to prevent him from featuring. James has played just 22 minutes in league play this season and remains primarily a depth option, making his continued availability useful for adding depth to the squad.
Small question mark, cautiously optimistic
James has a small question mark over his back and hamstring, ahead of Wednesday's EFL Cup clash against Chelsea, according to coach Daniel Farke. "A little question mark over Daniel [back and hamstring]. If he comes through our next two sessions then we're carefully optimistic."
Analysis: James was active off the bench in the recent draw with Brentford, generating four shots without placing any on target across 22 minutes of action, and now pushes for a bigger role as Leeds' fixture schedule intensifies. His status for the Chelsea match will depend on how he responds in the coming training sessions.
Four shots in draw
James generated four shots (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Brentford.
Analysis: James came on in the 68th minute and was immediately active, meeting a half-cleared ball on the edge of the penalty area before combining with Lukas Nmecha on a clever one-two that sent him charging deep into Brentford territory, lifting the ball narrowly wide of Caoimhin Kelleher's far post with a deft chip. He registered four shots from 22 minutes of action without placing any on target. James now has four shots in one Premier League substitute appearance this season and will push for a starting role as Leeds' fixture schedule intensifies.
Two shots in Sunday's win
James had two shots (zero on goal) and four crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Brighton.
Analysis: James made his second consecutive start Sunday, once again occupying the right side of the midfield. He managed two shots and four crosses on the attack, though he didn't record a shot on target, chance created or an accurate cross. He was subbed off in the 60th minute for Wilfried Gnonto.
Finds bench
James (groin) is on the bench for Wednesday's match against Bournemouth.
Analysis: James had returned to the team sheet Wednesday after he was involved in training this week, with the attacker fit enough to earn a bench role. This ends his three-match slide due to the groin injury, a boost to depth for the team. With a minimal four starts in 15 appearances this season, he is likely to remain in a bench role.
Trains with team, could be back
James (groin) returned to team training this week and could be in contention for Wednesday's clash against Bournemouth, according to coach Daniel Farke. "Daniel is back in team training. He needs session after session."
Analysis: James had been absent from training for several weeks with a groin issue, missing Leeds' last three fixtures across all competitions in the process, making his return to the training pitch a welcome development. The winger has not started a Premier League match since Nov. 29, so his immediate role upon return figures to be off the bench rather than straight into the starting lineup, but having him available again gives manager Farke an extra attacking option as Leeds United push through the final stretch of their campaign.
Not in training Thursday
James (groin) hasn't participated in training this week and might not be available for Saturday's game against Wolverhampton, according to manager Daniel Farke. "For the other players that are injured, with Joe Rodon, Daniel James and Anton Stach, the first step is more or less that they would be back in team training and then if they have a bit of team training then they're also available for the games. As it stands, so today [Thursday], no one is back in team training yet, but we have two more days."
Analysis: James has missed Leeds' last two games, and since he's yet to return to training, his chances of being an option for the weekend clash against Wolverhampton are minimal. That said, Farke left the door open for a return in case he appears in training Friday, but that's looking very unlikely. James wouldn't have a lot of fantasy appeal even if he's cleared to return, as he hasn't started a Premier League match since Nov. 29, 2025.
Suffers adductor strain
James is out for Monday's match against Manchester United due to an adductor injury, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Daniel [will] also miss the game. So he had sadly an adductor strain just in the session before the cup game, and won't be available.
Analysis: James is one of the few players out for the club heading into Monday, as the attacker is out with an adductor strain. Luckily for the club, this will not force a change, as he has not started in his past two appearances on the team sheet. He is likely to be eyeing around a two to three week absence, hopefully still returning in April.
Seven crosses in seven minutes
James registered seven crosses (zero accurate) and one tackle in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Brentford.
Analysis: James came off the bench with seven minutes to go and attempted seven crosses as Leeds chased for a winner. He was unsuccessful with all of these crosses but showed lots of attacking intent with his cameo appearance. He has only attempted more than seven crosses on one occasion.
Finds bench role
James (back) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa.
Analysis: James is named on the bench for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa after returning from a back injury that kept him out of the last match. The forward has struggled with multiple injuries this season and continues in a rotational role. The club appears to be managing his workload carefully as he builds back fitness.
Back available
James (back) is back available and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa, coach Daniel Farke said in the press conference. "Good news, Stach, Struijk, Dan James are back in training and available."
Analysis: James is back available and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Aston Villa after missing the last match due to a back injury. The forward has dealt with multiple injuries this season and has recently held a bench role, so the club could opt to be cautious with his workload.
Dealing with back issues
James is dealing with back issues and wasn't an option for Sunday's win against Birmingham City in the FA Cup, coach Daniel Farke said in a press conference, according to LeedsLive. "Dan has issues with his back."
Analysis: James' injury woes are not over, as he is now dealing with a back issue shortly after returning from a long term hamstring injury. The forward is expected to undergo further evaluation in the coming days to determine the full extent of the problem and clarify a potential timetable. That said, his absence does not shake up the starting XI, as he had been operating primarily as a bench option prior to his long-term layoff.
Available off bench
James (hamstring) is on the bench for Friday's game against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: James was described as having a chance to be available Friday, and the speedy winger will wait for his opportunity on the bench. James tends to play off the bench, so while his return boosts Leeds' depth in the final third, he's not expected to be a regular fantasy contributor any time soon.
Could be available against Forest
James (hamstring) could be available against Nottingham Forest after making good progress in training, said coach Daniel Farke in the press conference. "James is making progress, very good news."
Analysis: James could be available against Nottingham Forest after making good progress in training, having missed the last 12 matches with a hamstring injury. The winger had been a regular substitute prior to the injury and is expected to return in a rotational role.
Out to face Arsenal
James (hamstring) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Arsenal.
Analysis: James is not available for Saturday's clash against Arsenal despite recently being cleared after a lengthy hamstring injury absence. The attacker missed 11 matches and has not played since Nov. 29, with his return delayed further. He remains sidelined after making 10 appearances this season, including four starts.
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