Farke’s Major Doubt: Leeds Team News vs Crystal Palace 2026

Key Points

• Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has provided a fitness update ahead of the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.
• Dominic Calvert-Lewin is doubtful due to a knee issue but Farke is “carefully optimistic” after the striker returned to team training.
• Noah Okafor is a “major doubt” following his first full team training session yesterday, but he missed today’s session with hip problems, leaving limited time before the match.
• Aside from Calvert-Lewin and Okafor, the rest of the Leeds United squad has a clean bill of health.
• Calvert-Lewin was absent for the recent 3-0 FA Cup win over Norwich City due to the knee problem, which had raised concerns among fans.
• Farke expects to revert to a similar lineup from the recent Premier League defeat to Sunderland, potentially including Joe Rodon who has recovered from a hamstring injury.
• The update was delivered during a press conference at Thorp Arch.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) March 13, 2026 – Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has confirmed doubts over two key forwards, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor, ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, as reported across multiple outlets including the club’s official website and Inside Futbol.

What Did Daniel Farke Say Exactly?

As reported on the official Leeds United website, Farke stated:

“Dominic obviously was out for a few days. He was the last couple of days back in team training. Right now, we have to wait how his body reacts but I am carefully optimistic that I have him available also for the game. But there is still a doubt how his body reacts right now”.​

Continuing on Noah Okafor, Farke added:

“And Noah was yesterday the first time with us back in full team training. Today he missed out due to some reported problems with his hip so we still have 48 hours. At the moment I doubt that he is available so he is definitely a major doubt”.​

Farke summarised the situation by saying:

“Doubtful Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but I am carefully optimistic, and major doubt, Noah Okafor. Dominic had some problems with his knee, yes, but slightly better and again, he was in the last couple of days in team training. We right now have to wait how his body reacts and then we make a late call. Again, carefully optimistic with him. With Noah, due to the fact that he was out only today with his hip, I think it is very doubtful that he is available for the weekend. Everyone else is in a good mood and also well”.

These direct quotes highlight Farke’s cautious approach, balancing optimism with realism just days before the match.​

Why Is Dominic Calvert-Lewin a Doubt?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed Leeds United’s 3-0 FA Cup fifth-round victory over Norwich City last weekend due to a knee problem, as confirmed by Farke post-match.

According to Mot Leeds News reporter Daniel Davis, this absence

“fuelled concerns that he was set for a spell on the treatment table,”

but subsequent updates suggest it is minor.​

Sports Mole’s Darren Plant noted that Calvert-Lewin, who has notched 10 Premier League goals this season, was rested as a precaution, and Farke now anticipates a late decision based on training response.

The striker has remained largely fit this campaign thanks to the Leeds medical team’s efforts, avoiding absences in major fixtures, which underscores the significance of this doubt.​

What About Noah Okafor’s Injury Status?

Noah Okafor’s return to full team training marks progress, but his hip issue today has cast serious uncertainty over his involvement.​

Farke emphasised the tight timeline, with only 48 hours remaining until kick-off, making Okafor “very doubtful” in his assessment.

This comes amid Leeds’ need for attacking options, as Okafor’s versatility could prove vital against a Palace side struggling with their own injury woes.​

No further details on the hip problem’s severity were provided, but Farke’s tone indicates it is fresh and potentially limiting.​

Who Else Is Available for Selection?

Farke confirmed that, barring the two doubts, “everyone else is in a good mood and also well,” signalling a near-fully fit squad.

This includes defender Joe Rodon, recently recovered from a hamstring injury and spared in the Norwich tie, expected back in the heart of defence.​

Midfielder Sean Longstaff may edge Ilia Gruev after scoring recently, while the base lineup could mirror the one defeated 1-0 by Sunderland.

Goalkeeper Illan Meslier or Karl Darlow, alongside defenders like Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu, appear ready, per predicted XIs from Sports Mole.​

How Does This Fit Leeds United’s Recent Form?

Leeds sit three points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, making this Palace trip pivotal.

The 3-0 FA Cup romp over Norwich showcased squad depth via heavy rotation, but back-to-back Elland Road losses heighten pressure on away form, winless in six Premier League road games this term.

Farke’s rotation philosophy, as analysed by The Athletic, aims to keep fringe players sharp, but consistency remains key ahead of Selhurst Park.​

A win could widen the gap to strugglers like Nottingham Forest, per earlier reports.​

What Are the Predicted Lineups?

Sports Mole predicts: Darlow; Justin, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Bogle, Stach, Ampadu, Longstaff, Aaronson; Calvert-Lewin, assuming the striker passes fit.​

Mot Leeds News’ Samuel Fabre suggests Farke might axe Ao Tanaka amid seven changes post-FA Cup, prioritising Premier League specialists.​

Leeds United’s official site named a rotated XI for Norwich: Perri; Bogle, Gudmundsson, Ampadu (C), Struijk, Rodon, Calvert-Lewin, Aaronson, Bijol, Stach, Okafor – though absences alter this.​

Crystal Palace face their own crisis with absentees like Cheick Doucoure (knee), Daniel Munoz (knee), and Ismaila Sarr (AFCON).​

What Is the Broader Context of Farke’s Updates?

Earlier pressers, like BBC Sport’s coverage, saw Farke note the “same group available” sans Dan James (thigh, out eight weeks conservatively, no surgery) and Lukas Nmecha (symptomatic hamstring).

Hayters reported Nmecha definitely missing a prior Palace clash, with no new concerns post-Brentford draw.​

Inside Futbol’s original piece framed Okafor as the “major doubt,” aligning with official quotes [ from query].

LeedsAllOver highlighted renewed survival belief after five points from three games, eyeing Palace’s injuries.​

Could Injuries Impact Farke’s Tactics?

With potential absences up top, Farke may lean on Brenden Aaronson or Joel Piroe for creativity, as seen in past rotations.​

EPLBets noted Farke’s stress on “rhythm” amid injuries like James’, urging consistency.​

The German’s history of managing squads through doubts – evident in conservative James recovery – suggests adaptability.​

Palace preview from Sports Mole flags Jean-Philippe Mateta’s minutes-building, potentially exposing flanks.​

When and Where Is the Match?

The fixture kicks off Sunday afternoon at Selhurst Park, London, a tough venue where Leeds seek rare away points.

Live coverage expected via Sky Sports or LUTV, with fans tracking via club blogs.​

Leeds’ position demands points, per relegation battle analyses.​