Key Points

• Injury Concerns: Leeds United face potential absences for Anton Stach, Noah Okafor, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin ahead of their Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur.
• Lack of Team Training: Neither Anton Stach (foot problem) nor Noah Okafor (adductor issue) participated in full team training sessions during the week prior to the match.
• Positive Defensive Boost: Center-back Joe Rodon has returned to full team training following a two-month lay-off due to a hamstring injury.
• Recent Form: Leeds United are aiming to end a winless streak dating back to their 4-1 victory over Newcastle United on September 14, coming off a 2-0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth.
• Tactical Context: Manager Daniel Farke highlighted the upcoming international break as a key period to reset and recover injured players.

Yorkshire (The Leeds Times) November 6, 2026 – Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke faces crucial tactical choices ahead of the Premier League encounter against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road. The Yorkshire side enters the fixture seeking to end a run of form without a league victory since mid-September. The squad’s preparatory work has been shaped by medical assessments involving key personnel in both defensive and attacking roles.

What is the current fitness status of key Leeds United players?

As reported by journalists covering Daniel Farke’s pre-match press conference, the Leeds United manager confirmed that midfielder Anton Stach and forward Noah Okafor remain major doubts for the fixture. Neither player completed team training sessions in the build-up, having been limited to individual rehab assignments. Okafor missed the recent 2-0 fixture against AFC Bournemouth due to adductor issues, while Stach has been managing a foot issue.

Daniel Farke stated:

“In the offence we still are struggling a little bit. Noah Okafor obviously missed the last game due to some adductor problems. He was also not able to have one team training session during this week so far, just individual work for him. So, I can’t really say if he is available for the game. The same for Anton Stach with foot problems. Just individual rehab work was possible, so major doubts then both if they are available.”

Additionally, forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin experienced a minor foot issue that prevented his participation in regular training on Thursday. However, Daniel Farke expressed cautious optimism regarding his potential availability, noting:

“Dominic Calvert-Lewin had a little setback with his foot as well, was not able to train with us today. But I would say I am carefully optimistic that he is back in training hopefully tomorrow and then he would also be available.”

In contrast to the offensive fitness concerns, defender Joe Rodon has completed a full week of team training after recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for over two months. Daniel Farke highlighted the significance of his return, stating:

“Good news with Joe Rodon, he is back in full team training during this week. Of course he was out for quite a time but it is definitely good because he is an important player for us and back in training.”

How does Daniel Farke view the timing of the fixture and international break?

Addressing the strategic outlook ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur match, Daniel Farke emphasized the importance of resilience given the current squad availability. The manager identified the upcoming international schedule as an opportunity for complete squad recovery while stressing the immediate priority of securing a result.

As reported from the media briefing, Daniel Farke said:

“I think this next international break comes at a good time for us because we have the chance right now to get rid of all the problems for Anton [Stach], Noah Okafor and [potentially] Dominic Calvert-Lewin and this will be beneficial. But I’m not just looking ahead what will be in three weeks or whatever. It’s not the easiest situation at the moment especially offensive-wise, but we want to stay together and fight together and also make sure that in perhaps not the best situation, we still are able to dig in and grind out a result in this important game.”

How could Leeds United line up against Tottenham Hotspur?

Following the 2-0 loss away to AFC Bournemouth, media reports and team predictions suggest potential changes to the starting line-up to balance defensive stability and attacking capability.

With Joe Rodon returning to availability, the coaching staff retains options to adjust the central defensive structure alongside established starters such as Ethan Ampadu and Jayden Bogle.

In midfield, potential absences for Anton Stach may require adjustments in central positioning to maintain balance against Tottenham’s setup. In attack, the assessment of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late fitness test will determine the selection for the central striker position, with alternative options under consideration should he or Noah Okafor be ruled out.

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What is the background of this development?

Leeds United entered this fixture aiming to secure their first Premier League victory since September 14, 2026, when they achieved a 4-1 win against Newcastle United. Subsequent matches included a 0-0 draw against Sunderland AFC and the recent 2-0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

Squad management during this period has been heavily impacted by physical demands and injury rehabilitations across multiple positions. The return of defender Joe Rodon marks his first full involvement with the squad since August, providing defensive coverage, whereas the offensive department has dealt with recurring fitness checks for summer arrivals and key forward options throughout autumn.

What is the prediction for how this development affects Leeds United and its supporters?

The combination of player returns and ongoing injury doubts is likely to influence both tactical execution on the pitch and supporter expectations surrounding the fixture.

• For the Coaching Staff: The availability of Joe Rodon offers structural flexibility in defense, allowing Daniel Farke to field a more experienced backline against high-tempo opposition. Conversely, potential absences for Anton Stach and Noah Okafor restrict rotation options in midfield and attack, placing a higher demand on starting players to maintain intensity over 90 minutes.
• For the Players: The match represents an opportunity for rotational members of the squad to secure starting berths and demonstrate depth ahead of the international break. Defensive stability will be paramount to remaining competitive while offensive routines are adjusted.
• For the Fans and Stadium Audience: Supporters at Elland Road will anticipate a disciplined response following recent dropped points. The inclusion of returning key players like Rodon provides an encouraging boost, though the reduced availability of attacking options may require a pragmatic approach to securing a positive result.