Injury concerns for Leeds boss Daniel Farke after win over Norwich

Leeds manager Daniel Farke stated that his side’s 1-0 home triumph over Norwich came at a cost, with Daniel James and Archie Gray both injured.

James was substituted during the break due to a hip injury after assisting Patrick Bamford’s winning header, which moved Leeds to within two points of the Sky Bet Championship’s top two.

Gray, a teenage defender who made a fine second-half block on Adam Idah as the Norwich substitute raced down on goal, was taken out in the final moments after injuring his knee.

Farke stated, “Daniel James, sadly, had to be substituted because he overstretched his hip flexor at halftime.

I believe it is a little strain. I hope this isn’t too awful. I believe he will be out for the FA Cup game this weekend, but I hope he can return to training soon because we need him. He’s in excellent shape.

“Archie Gray, I was concerned at first because he had a knock to his knee, overstretched it, and was fretting a little.

“He had to limp off due to ligament concerns. After the first assessment, I’m cautiously optimistic. The ACL ligaments appear to be fine, and the injury appears to be minor.

“We have to wait for further assessment, but I’m carefully optimistic it’s not a long-term injury.”

Farke’s team increased their unbeaten home record this season to 15 games, keeping the pressure on their promotion rivals, while also winning their opening five games of the year in all competitions.

They dominated for lengthy stretches but were unable to score a decisive second goal, resulting in an anxious finish.

“Credit to Norwich, first and foremost,” Farke said. “They are undoubtedly one of the greatest teams to have played at Elland Road this season.

“It was a very complicated game, and I’m delighted that we won it with three points and another clean sheet.

“Four clean sheets in January and scoring goals – I’m pretty pleased with this.”

Norwich had their chances, particularly Kenny McLean and Gabriel Sara in the first.

Wagner stated, “We gave Leeds a real game; we were extremely competitive, and games like this will be decided by small margins.”

“Congratulations to Leeds, a top squad with fantastic attacking players. But I believe we kept them somewhat quiet.

“In the second half, everyone could see when we were able to pin them in their final third without, to be honest, delivering the finishing punch in the box.

“Result, frustrating, but I’m absolutely fine with the performance.”