Leeds United face a fitness dilemma as the new campaign looms, with several squad members battling injuries while others continue building up their match sharpness.
Noah Okafor looks set to miss the season opener after managing only a single 90-minute appearance in pre-season. The forward reported back for training later than teammates following Switzerland’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in the United States.
James Trafford has featured just twice during pre-season but should be available for selection, having shown good form upon his return. As a goalkeeper, he requires less extensive physical preparation compared to outfield players.
Four Leeds players currently carry fitness concerns, though realistically only three matter for the first match.
Wilfried Gnonto
The winger is dealing with a hamstring issue without a clear recovery schedule. The club remains hopeful of his return in the near future, though Daniel Farke has expressed reservations about his availability for the curtain-raiser.
He sustained the problem during the friendly in Dublin against Manchester United, an unfortunate timing given his solid contributions against RB Leipzig and after the interval in Ireland.
Gnonto was spotted walking without difficulty at the subsequent home match against Augsburg, though no definitive conclusions can be drawn from that observation.
Estimated comeback: August 30 against Brentford
Gabriel Gudmundsson
Gudmundsson appears certain to sit out the opening fixtures and probably the following League Cup tie following the hamstring damage sustained in the Liverpool friendly. He may also be absent for the initial home match against Brentford.
His pre-season has been particularly disappointing, having missed the first friendly after arriving late due to World Cup involvement before picking up the injury in only his second appearance.
Estimated comeback: September 5 at Brighton
Ilia Gruev
Gruev has not featured throughout the summer as he continues recovering from the knee meniscus problem sustained in April. However, he resumed full training last week, which represents a positive development.
While not among the first-choice midfielders regardless, Gruev will require time to reach peak condition and rebuild confidence in his knee.
Estimated comeback: Uncertain
Lucas Perri
Though the club naturally wants Perri fully fit, his situation will not impact the weekend fixtures. Torino are on the verge of securing the goalkeeper’s loan deal, with the transfer on hold until he overcomes a thigh problem.
While completion is anticipated shortly, the injury appears sufficiently healed to allow a medical in due course. However, Perri has managed only 45 minutes of game time all summer and will not head to Italy with match rhythm.
Estimated comeback: Not applicable