Key Points
- Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has revealed that Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor, and Anton Stach are all major doubts for Sunday’s Premier League match against Sunderland.
- Defender Joe Rodon remains unavailable for selection as he continues his recovery from injury.
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin sustained a bruised foot during the 1-1 draw against Manchester United following a challenge by Diogo Dalot in the 89th minute.
- Anton Stach is suffering from a painful foot problem, while Noah Okafor is dealing with adductor issues; all three players missed training sessions this week.
- Daniel Farke confirmed that none of the three players would be fit to play if the fixture were taking place today, though the medical staff has two days to assess their condition.
LEEDS (The Leeds Times) October 23, 2026 — Leeds United are facing a potential selection crisis ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture against Sunderland, with manager Daniel Farke confirming that Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor, and Anton Stach are all doubts for Sunday’s match.
As reported by Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Daniel Farke explained during his pre-match press conference that the trio’s availability remains uncertain following various fitness issues sustained in recent days. Leeds United enter the weekend off the back of a 1-1 home draw against Manchester United, a match in which Dan James and Joe Rodon were the only established first-team absentees.
During that match, Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the equalising goal six minutes after the half-time break. However, the striker suffered a late knock in the 89th minute following a challenge from Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot. As reported by Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Daniel Farke clarified that Calvert-Lewin finished the match despite the contact but has since been treating a bruised foot.
Furthermore, mid-week training has been impacted by additional fitness concerns within the squad. As reported by Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Daniel Farke stated that Anton Stach is currently dealing with a painful foot problem, whilst Noah Okafor has been sidelined due to adductor issues. Consequently, all three players have missed training sessions during the week leading up to the fixture at the Stadium of Light.
Addressing the immediate availability of the squad, as reported by Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post, Daniel Farke stated that if the game were today, none of the trio would be available. Farke added that the club still has two days before Sunday’s kick-off to monitor the players’ recovery and attempt to improve their physical condition ahead of final squad selection. Meanwhile, defender Joe Rodon remains ruled out as he continues his recovery.
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What Is the Background of This Squad Development?
The current injury concerns arrive at a critical juncture in Leeds United’s Premier League campaign. Having secured a hard-fought point against Manchester United at Elland Road last weekend, Daniel Farke’s side demonstrated resilience by coming back from a goal down. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s second-half equaliser highlighted his importance to the team’s attack, rendering any potential absence a significant operational concern for the coaching staff.
Throughout the current season, maintaining squad consistency has been a primary objective for Farke. Prior to the match against Manchester United, the squad had managed to maintain relatively stable fitness levels, with only Dan James and Joe Rodon absent from the matchday group. The introduction of multiple fitness doubts following a single fixture represents a sudden shift in player availability.
The timing of these issues is particularly notable given the tactical roles played by the affected individuals. Anton Stach’s presence in midfield and Noah Okafor’s versatility in forward positions have provided Leeds United with depth across key areas of the pitch. Managing adductor issues and foot contusions requires careful monitoring by medical personnel to avoid compounding minor strains into longer-term absences during a dense league schedule.
How Could This Development Affect Leeds United and Their Supporters?
For Leeds United, their coaching staff, and their travelling supporters, the potential absence of three core first-team players poses clear tactical and operational challenges ahead of the trip to Sunderland.
If Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach, and Noah Okafor are ultimately ruled out alongside the already absent Joe Rodon, Daniel Farke will be forced to alter his starting eleven and adjust his tactical setup. The absence of Calvert-Lewin would require alternative focal points in attack, potentially altering the team’s aerial threat and hold-up play. Similarly, missing Stach in the central midfield zone could impact the squad’s defensive coverage and transition speed against a Sunderland side playing on home turf.
For the supporters, these updates introduce uncertainty regarding the team’s performance capacity for the upcoming fixture. A reduced bench depth limits the manager’s ability to make tactical interventions during the second half of the match. Furthermore, if these injuries persist beyond the weekend, the coaching team may need to rotate squad members in subsequent fixtures to manage workload and mitigate the risk of further physical strain on the playing staff.
