Sunderland vs Leeds Team News: Injuries, Doubts & Return Update

Key Points

• Leeds United prepare for their final match of 2025 with a visit to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
• Both clubs secured promotion from the Championship at the end of last season, with Leeds clinching the title and Sunderland coming up via the play-offs.
• Sunderland, under Régis Le Bris, currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, while Leeds are 16th.
• Leeds face a mounting injury list with ten confirmed absentees and two players rated as doubtful.
• Daniel Farke confirmed striker Lukas Nmecha is in contention to return after missing games through injury.
• Sunderland also have several fitness concerns ahead of the encounter.
• The match holds significance for both sides looking to end 2025 strongly.
• Sources include The Yorkshire Post (Tom Coates), BBC Sport, Sky Sports News, and The Northern Echo.

How have Sunderland and Leeds fared since their Championship promotions?

As reported by The Yorkshire Post, Leeds United and Sunderland entered 2025 riding a wave of optimism after both clubs secured long-awaited returns to the Premier League. Leeds, crowned champions after a dramatic campaign that saw them edge Burnley and Plymouth Argyle, returned automatically. Sunderland, meanwhile, needed the play-offs to secure promotion but have since adapted superbly under French coach Régis Le Bris, who has guided them into the European qualification conversation.

According to BBC Sport, Sunderland’s current seventh-place standing highlights their tactical development, while Leeds find themselves eight points adrift in 16th. Burnley, who also gained promotion, are languishing in 19th, with only Wolverhampton Wanderers below them in the standings.

What did Daniel Farke say about Leeds’ injury situation?

Daniel Farke provided a detailed injury update in his pre-match press conference, confirming several setbacks but hinting at one potential boost. As quoted by Tom Coates of The Yorkshire Post, the Leeds boss stated that there was “a small chance for Lukas Nmecha to be involved” after a spell on the sidelines.

“He has made some progress,” Farke explained.

“I hope to have him back in team training this week, and if he comes through those sessions, he could definitely be a topic for the squad. He could travel with us.”

Sources from Sky Sports News add that Nmecha’s return would provide much-needed attacking depth, with Leeds missing several forwards through injury. The German international last featured in Leeds’ 3–1 victory over Chelsea earlier this month before sustaining a muscle issue.

Who are the key absentees for Leeds United?

Leeds face a daunting injury list ahead of their trip to Wearside. As confirmed by The Yorkshire Post and Sky Sports News, ten players are unavailable for selection. These include key names such as:

• Patrick Bamford
• Crysencio Summerville
• Stuart Dallas
• Sam Byram
• Wilfried Gnonto
• Ilia Gruev
• Junior Firpo
• Ethan Ampadu
• Georginio Rutter
• Archie Gray

Additionally, Daniel James and Pascal Struijk are listed as doubts following minor knocks sustained in training, according to BBC Radio Leeds.

This extensive list underscores Leeds’ ongoing battle with squad fitness—a recurring theme throughout the first half of their Premier League campaign. Despite flashes of strong performances, inconsistency has plagued their results.

How is Sunderland shaping up injury-wise?

Régis Le Bris has also had fitness concerns to manage. According to The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson, the Black Cats are monitoring the status of midfielder Pierre Ekwah and winger Jack Clarke, both of whom missed training earlier in the week. Le Bris told reporters on Friday that squad depth had been tested but praised the resilience and adaptability of his players.

“Every team faces adversity in a season,” he said, as quoted by The Northern Echo.

“What matters is how we adapt. The players coming into the side understand their roles and are ready to deliver.”

Sunderland’s defence, led by Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien, remains intact, while striker Ross Stewart is expected to feature after returning to full fitness earlier this month.

Why is this fixture significant for both sides?

Leeds’ trip to the Stadium of Light comes at a crucial point in their Premier League campaign. For Daniel Farke’s men, momentum is key heading into the new year. A positive result could lift Leeds further from the relegation zone, where competition remains fierce among several bottom-half teams.

Sunderland, on the other hand, are targeting a statement finish to a remarkable calendar year. As noted by Sky Sports, the club’s rise under Le Bris has been one of the stories of the season, and fans are beginning to dream about a potential European push should form continue into 2026.

What are the potential tactical approaches from both managers?

According to analysis by BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty, Farke will likely stick with his possession-based 4-2-3-1 system, emphasising control through the midfield trio of Ethan Ampadu (if fit), Glen Kamara, and Archie Gray. However, rotation is expected given the fatigue and injury concerns plaguing the squad.

Le Bris, who favours a dynamic 4-3-3 setup, has built Sunderland’s success around organised pressing and sharp wide transitions. The return of Ross Stewart could bolster their forward threat, particularly against a Leeds defence that has leaked 32 goals so far this season.

What are pundits and analysts predicting?

As per Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, Sunderland may enter the clash as slight favourites given their home form and fitness advantage.

“Sunderland play with great confidence under Le Bris,”

Redknapp said.

“Leeds have the quality, but their consistency and injuries make this a tough challenge.”

However, BBC Sport’s analysis suggests Leeds’ battling spirit—evident in away draws against Aston Villa and Fulham—could see them grind out a result if Farke’s young midfield can stay composed.

Could Lukas Nmecha’s return change Leeds’ attacking fortunes?

Lukas Nmecha’s potential return could be pivotal. As detailed by The Yorkshire Post, his presence brings pace and movement that Leeds have sorely missed in recent weeks. His ability to stretch defences and link play with wingers could ease the creative pressure on Wilfried Gnonto and Summerville—both out injured.

Farke’s cautious optimism suggests Nmecha may start on the bench, but his inclusion in the travelling squad would mark a step forward in Leeds’ attacking development.

What is at stake for both teams?

For Sunderland, the chance to consolidate their top-half status heading into 2026 would validate Le Bris’s successful first season in English football. Meanwhile, Leeds are seeking to re-establish rhythm and consistency following a turbulent return to the Premier League.

A win would see Sunderland potentially rise to sixth depending on results elsewhere, while Leeds could climb as high as 13th.