Farke Previews Leeds vs Tottenham Injury News: Rodon and Okafor Leeds 2026

Key Points

• Joe Rodon returns: Defender Joe Rodon has returned to full team training following a 10-week absence due to a hamstring injury suffered against Brentford.
• Wales selection: Rodon has been named in Craig Bellamy’s Wales squad for the upcoming international window despite his recent layoff.
• Attacking doubts: Noah Okafor remains a major doubt after missing full training with an adductor issue that kept him out against Bournemouth.
• Additional concerns: Anton Stach (foot) is also a major doubt, while striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffered a minor foot setback but is expected to return to training on Friday.
• Form and record: Leeds seek to end a run of 21 consecutive Premier League matches starting before 3:00 PM without a win, while Tottenham arrive on a three-match winning streak.

LEEDS (The Leeds Times) November 5, 2026 – Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has addressed the media at Thorp Arch to deliver the latest team selection news ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road.As reported by Kyle Newbould of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Farke confirmed that central defender Joe Rodon has rejoined his team-mates in full training this week following nearly 10 weeks on the sidelines. Rodon has been absent since sustaining a hamstring injury against Brentford on August 30. Farke stated:

“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.”

What is the status of Noah Okafor and Anton Stach ahead of Saturday?

As detailed by Inside Futbol, Farke revealed that winger Noah Okafor and midfielder Anton Stach remain major doubts for the lunchtime kick-off. Okafor missed the 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend after suffering an adductor problem in training, while Stach is managing a foot issue.

Farke noted that neither player has trained with the main group this week:

“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. We have two more days anyhow but so far he has not joined us in team training. The same for Anton Stach with foot problems. Just individual rehab work was possible, so major doubts then both if they are available.”

Furthermore, Farke disclosed that striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed Thursday’s session due to a minor foot issue, though the manager remains carefully optimistic regarding his availability:

“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.”

How does Joe Rodon’s international call-up impact Leeds United?

As reported by MOT Leeds News, Rodon’s return to fitness coincides with his inclusion in Craig Bellamy’s Wales squad for the upcoming international fixtures.

Despite Rodon having missed over two months of competitive action, Bellamy has named the centre-back in his squad, raising questions regarding workload management across two international matches in four days.

Farke acknowledged the delicate balance between club and international duty, but indicated he would respect Bellamy’s decisions while maintaining dialogue with the Welsh medical staff to monitor the defender’s physical loading.

Can Leeds United overcome their early kick-off record against in-form Tottenham Hotspur?

As highlighted by OneFootball, Leeds United face a tactical and psychological hurdle on Saturday afternoon. The club has dropped points in their last 21 Premier League matches scheduled prior to 3:00 PM, a sequence stretching back to August 2022.

Following a 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth—only their second league loss of the season, but their third match in five without scoring—Farke’s side is aiming to regain offensive fluidness. In contrast, Tottenham Hotspur travel to West Yorkshire on a three-match Premier League winning streak.

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Background of the particular development

The central focus of Daniel Farke’s pre-match briefing stems from a combination of defensive reinforcement and persistent offensive absences. Joe Rodon was an ever-present figure in the Leeds United defense prior to his hamstring injury against Brentford in late August. During his 10-week absence, Farke adapted by deploying Nico Elvedi alongside James Justin and Ethan Ampadu to maintain structural stability.

Concurrently, the squad’s attacking options have suffered setbacks. Noah Okafor, an £18m summer acquisition, has seen his momentum disrupted by recurring muscle issues, culminating in his withdrawal prior to the Bournemouth fixture.

With Leeds scoring just twice in their last five league matches, managing the fitness of core starters like Okafor and Calvert-Lewin has become a critical operational priority for Farke’s coaching staff ahead of the winter schedule.

Predictions and impact on Leeds United supporters and fantasy managers

The potential return of Joe Rodon presents Daniel Farke with a tactical dilemma in central defense. For Leeds United supporters, Rodon’s availability offers reassurance against a Tottenham attack currently carrying momentum from a three-match winning run.

However, should Rodon feature immediately or travel with Wales for consecutive international matches, fans will be attentive to the risk of muscle re-injury following a lengthy lay-off.

For fantasy football managers and tactical observers, the uncertainty surrounding Noah Okafor, Anton Stach, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin directly impacts selection expectations. If Okafor and Stach are ruled out, Farke may be forced to rely on Dan James and Harry Wilson on the wings, altering the team’s directness in the final third. A failure to reverse their winless record in early kick-offs could see Leeds slip further down the table from 12th position, increasing the pressure on Elland Road fixtures heading into the international break.