Daniel Farke provides fitness update ahead of Manchester City clash

Key Points

• Leeds United are set to host Manchester City at Elland Road as the first match in a triple header of home fixtures.​
• The team enters the game following impressive draws away at Stamford Bridge (Chelsea) and Aston Villa.
• Manager Daniel Farke addressed the media at Thorp Arch ahead of the clash with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side.​
• Full-back Gabriel Gudmundsson has recovered from illness and is available for selection.
• Forward Noah Okafor is the only confirmed absentee, ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in a recent FA Cup match against Birmingham City.
• Farke confirmed Okafor will miss the Manchester City game and potentially more, with an estimated absence of 2-4 weeks.
• All other players are fit, in training, in good spirits, and eager to play.​
• Daniel James had a back injury earlier but Farke expressed hope for his quick recovery; no specific update in the latest conference, but context suggests squad stability.

Elland Road (Leeds Times) February 26, 2026 – Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has delivered a largely positive fitness update ahead of his side’s crucial Premier League encounter with Manchester City, confirming that full-back Gabriel Gudmundsson is back in contention after battling illness, while only Noah Okafor remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.​

Who is back and ready for Manchester City?

As reported directly from the official Leeds United website coverage of Farke’s press conference at Thorp Arch, the German manager began by addressing the availability of Gabriel Gudmundsson. “He has recovered,” Farke stated, explaining how the full-back is now back from illness.

This positive development comes after Gudmundsson had faced minor injury concerns in international duty earlier, as noted by Leeds All Over, where Swedish outlet Expressen reported his swift return to training with Sweden.

Farke elaborated on the squad’s overall readiness, saying:

“Good news. Just Noah [Okafor] is out and will miss this game. All the others are ready and available, in training and in a good mood and also want to play.”

This indicates a near-full-strength squad for the challenging home fixture against Pep Guardiola’s champions, with the Whites buoyed by recent resilient performances.​

What is the latest on Noah Okafor’s injury?

Noah Okafor’s absence stems from a hamstring injury picked up during Leeds United’s FA Cup fourth-round victory over Birmingham City, which went to penalties. As detailed by The Leeds Press, Farke initially substituted Okafor during that match and commented post-game:

“Okafor felt something in hamstring. Hopefully just a cramp. Too early to say.”

Subsequent updates confirmed the issue’s severity. RotoWire reported that Farke stated in a press conference:

“Sadly, Noah has suffered an injury in the last Cup game, a hamstring injury. He will be out in between two and four weeks.”

Similarly, a Yahoo Sports article quoted Farke:

“Unfortunately, Noah Okafor has sustained an injury in the recent cup match. It’s a hamstring issue. He is expected to be unavailable for a period ranging from two to four weeks. It’s a bit early to assess fully, but he will certainly miss the upcoming two matches, specifically against Villa and Man City.”

This timeline aligns perfectly with Okafor missing the Manchester City clash, leaving Leeds short of attacking options.

How does recent form boost Leeds United’s confidence?

Leeds United head into this match on the back of two impressive draws that have steadied their Premier League campaign. The official club site highlights draws at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea and at Aston Villa, providing momentum for the home triple header.​

Sofascore confirms the Aston Villa result as a 1-1 stalemate on February 21, 2026, at Villa Park, with Anton Stach scoring for Leeds to match Tammy Abraham’s late equaliser. While specific Chelsea details are referenced in the preview, these results underscore a gritty resilience under Farke, especially vital against top sides like City.​

What challenges does Manchester City pose?

Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, remain a formidable force despite any recent inconsistencies. Past encounters, such as the chaotic 3-2 Etihad win for City in November 2025 reported by Sky Sports, saw Phil Foden score twice, including a stoppage-time winner, after Leeds mounted a comeback via Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Felix Nmecha.

The Leeds United official report detailed City’s lineup including Erling Haaland and key bookings, highlighting the intensity Leeds can expect.

The New York Times’ The Athletic noted Leeds’ spirited performance in that loss, praising Farke’s tactical tweaks and pressure that even bewildered City players. With Elland Road hosting, Farke will rely on his near-full squad to replicate such fight on home soil.​

Are there other injury concerns lingering?

Beyond Okafor, earlier worries around Daniel James were addressed post-Birmingham. The Leeds Press quoted Farke: “Back injury for Dan James. Hopefully not too bad.” He hoped James could feature against Aston Villa, and with no mention in the latest update, it appears resolved amid the “all others available” confirmation.

Gabriel Gudmundsson’s illness recovery caps positive news, following prior scares like an adductor strain noted by Leeds All Over after an Everton draw, where Farke said:

“Sadly he has a little strain in his adductor… Initial assessment was three to four weeks, not great but right now it looks a bit brighter.”

Mot Leeds News had earlier covered back issues, but illness is the current resolved matter.

What did Farke say about squad morale?

A key theme in Farke’s Thorp Arch briefing was positivity. Beyond fitness, he emphasised:

“All the others are ready and available, in training and in a good mood and also want to play.”

This bodes well for a triple header that includes further home tests, as Leeds aim to build on draws against elite opposition.​

BBC Sport has covered similar pre-match conferences at Thorp Arch, underscoring Farke’s consistent communication style. Yorkshire Voice analysed a recent one, unpacking squad insights ahead of Everton.

How significant is this triple header for Leeds?

Returning to Elland Road for three successive homes starts with City, a litmus test. The official preview frames it as “the challenging task,” with Farke’s similar squad expectation maximising chances. Leeds All Over and Mot Leeds News have tracked schedules, noting pressures like past sack speculation before City trips.

Team news from prior City games shows Farke’s flexibility, like five changes at the Etihad with Lucas Perri in goal and players like Joe Rodon featuring. Survival in the Premier League remains paramount, as The Leeds Press opined post-FA Cup.

Broader context: Leeds’ season under Farke

Farke’s tenure has seen investment over £100m, per The Leeds Press, with players like Okafor under scrutiny yet key. Eddie Gray’s verdicts and 49ers ownership accountability feature in discourse, but fitness stability aids focus.​

Sky Sports’ form guides and Sofascore lineups provide data depth, while LUTV videos capture pressers. As a journalist with a decade in reporting, this update signals Leeds’ readiness to challenge City, with Okafor’s absence the sole blemish in an otherwise upbeat picture.