As Leeds United prepare for a tough Premier League encounter against Burnley at Turf Moor, manager Daniel Farke insists the match is important—but not a “must-win.” With the Whites eager to build on their recent away success, Farke offered insight into his squad’s fitness, injury updates, and the mindset heading into a defining stretch of the season.
Farke Offers Encouraging Update on Squad Fitness
Leeds United received a boost this week as several players returned to training ahead of Saturday’s trip to Burnley. Despite a disrupted buildup due to international duties, Farke remains optimistic about the team’s preparation.
“This is more or less the first day we’ve had the whole squad back together,” Farke said. “Some players needed recovery sessions, while others were able to rejoin training. We’ll assess everyone in the final session before travelling.”
He acknowledged that some late decisions would be needed due to “workload, knocks, and travel fatigue,” but overall, the mood in the camp remains positive as Leeds seek to climb into the Premier League’s top half.
Mixed Injury Picture for Leeds
While there is good news on several fronts, Farke also provided a realistic update on key injury concerns, including winger Willy Gnonto and forward Dan James.
Lucas Perri has benefited from the international break and is now back in full training, boosting options at the back. Meanwhile, Dan James is ahead of schedule in his recovery and could make the matchday squad, although not the starting XI.
“Credit to the medical and rehab staff,” Farke said. “Dan is doing better than expected.”
However, Gnonto won’t feature this weekend due to a minor hernia procedure, although he’s expected back in full training next week and could be available against West Ham on October 24. Elsewhere, Noah Okafor is being monitored for a lingering abductor issue.
Farke Dismisses “Must-Win” Tag Against Burnley
With just a handful of points separating teams in the bottom half, the narrative around relegation battles is never far from Leeds United. But Farke remains calm under pressure and rejected suggestions that Saturday’s match is a decisive moment.
“At this level, every game is big,” he said. “But calling this a ‘must-win’ is wrong. We’re away, we’re a newly promoted side, and Burnley are strong at home.”
He pointed to last season’s Championship campaign, where Leeds failed to beat Burnley yet still finished with 100 points, as evidence that a single result doesn’t define a season.
Challenging Road Ahead for the Whites
Leeds face a testing run of fixtures, with three of their next four games on the road—against Burnley, Brighton, and Nottingham Forest—before returning to Elland Road to host West Ham.
Farke warned against underestimating any opponent and said this period might be even more demanding than the last.
“We’ve delivered solid performances recently and could’ve earned more points,” he noted. “But with three away games coming up, it’s definitely a challenging stretch rather than an easier one.”
