GOOD NEWS: Best answer for Dan James injury sighted training with first team as Daniel Farke plan to give academy Gem debut against Cardiff.
Leeds United will return to Championship action on Saturday as they head to Wales for their sixth league match of the season against Cardiff City. The Whites are looking to recover after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Burnley last weekend, where Luca Koleosho’s goal sealed their defeat at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s side will once again be without Dan James, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. James is expected to be out until after the international break in October, which is a significant setback for Farke as the Welsh international has been a reliable performer in the Championship over the past year.
**Dan James’ Championship Contribution for Leeds**
James started this season with one goal in the first three league games, finding the net in Leeds’ 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday. His strong performances in the 2023/24 campaign, where Leeds finished third but lost in the play-off final, demonstrated his value as both a scorer and creator from the right wing.
The 26-year-old’s consistency in contributing to goals has been a key asset, and Farke will need to find a way to cover his absence. One potential solution could be to give academy forward Luca Thomas a chance.
**Why Luca Thomas Deserves a First-Team Opportunity**
Luca Thomas, a standout player for the U21s, has been described as a “versatile” attacker by journalist Graham Smyth, capable of playing on either wing or as a central forward. This versatility makes him an ideal option to step in for James, whether on the right wing or providing additional depth on the left or up front.
Thomas has started this season in fine form, scoring two goals in two Premier League 2 matches for the U21s. His overall record at U21 and U18 levels is impressive, with 23 goals and three assists in 32 appearances for the U18s before progressing to the U21s. Since then, he has contributed eight goals and four assists in 27 games, with all of these coming in his last 20 outings.
Having just turned 20, Thomas has shown he can be a dependable goalscorer at youth levels, and Farke should consider giving him a chance in the first team to help mitigate the loss of James. If Thomas can carry his academy form into the senior side, he could become the next breakout star for Leeds, following in the footsteps of Archie Gray and Mateo Joseph.