Daniel Farke on why Daniel James could be Leeds United’s ‘lucky charm’ in the play-offs against Norwich City
|DANIEL FARKE has described Daniel James’ role in Leeds United’s Championship play-off semi-final first leg as mainly that of “lucky charm” as he weighs up what the winger can bring to the second leg.
Having not played since the victory over Middlesbrough because of a costal cartilage injury and an oblique abdominal muscle tear, the Hull-born player was held back until the 85th minute at Carrow Road on Sunday, but he made a good impression when he came on, robbing Christian Fassnacht of the ball and putting over a cross his team-mates should have been more alert to.
One would expect James to be capable of more in Thursday’s second leg at Elland Road, although the decision will be made more complicated by the fact the game could end in 90 minutes or 120.
“With Daniel it was a tricky situation because he had just one full training session with us and he’d been injured for three weeks,” commented manager Farke. “Until the injury is completely healed every day is beneficial for him.