Leeds United: Patrick Bamford, Dan James fitness boost ahead of Burnley clash | OneFootball

Patrick Bamford and Dan James have both been absent for Leeds due to hamstring issues

Leeds United are hopeful of having Dan James and Patrick Bamford back available for selection this weekend against Burnley.

The Whites will host the Lancashire outfit on Saturday when the league action returns from the September international break.

According to Leeds Live, Daniel Farke is optimistic that the forward pair will be back in the squad in time for their clash at Elland Road this weekend.

It is set to be a major fixture in the Championship, with both sides targeting automatic promotion back to the Premier League this year.

Leeds have come into the break off the back of a 2-0 win over rivals Hull City, moving them ahead of Burnley in the table.

Leeds United receive injury boost ahead of Burnley clash

James missed the 2-0 victory over the Tigers with a hamstring issue, which also kept him out of the Wales squad over the international break.

The 26-year-old had started in each of their opening three league games, scoring in a 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday, but failed to make the squad for the home win over Hull.

Bamford has been struggling with a similar hamstring issue, and missed both of these 2-0 wins over local rivals.

The striker came off the bench as a substitute in their first two games of the campaign, and could be back in time to make it as a sub against Burnley on Saturday.

Farke is reportedly optimistic that he could have the pair to choose from, with their sights set on earning a crucial victory in their pursuit of promotion.

Their arrival back into the squad will be a boost, especially with four new signings still integrating themselves into life at the Yorkshire outfit.

Manor Soloman, Ao Tanaka, Largie Ramazani and Isaac Schmidt all arrived late in the window so will still be adjusting to their new surroundings.

Having James and Bamford back for selection will be a big boost to Farke as well in that sense, as they both know the team quite well already compared to this quartet.

Leeds United’s start to the Championship season

Leeds have earned eight points from a possible 12 so far this season, winning two and drawing two of their first four games.

This has seen them sit fourth in the table through the first international break of the campaign.

Farke will be eyeing automatic promotion with the side, having narrowly missed out on a Premier League return last year.

Leeds will host Burnley on 14 September, with the game set to get underway at 12.30pm.

James and Bamford’s availability will be great for Leeds

Bamford’s not had the best 2024, despite making a positive start to the calendar year, and further injury issues will only hurt his importance to the squad.

However, having him on the bench as a secondary option will always be good for Farke, so his return to action will be very welcome at Leeds.

Meanwhile, James has cemented himself as a key figure under the German coach, so everyone will be pleased that this hamstring issue won’t be keeping him out of action for too long.

Farke should avoid rushing either player back into contention, so a start this weekend seems unlikely, but having either of them on the bench will be a boost for the clash against Scott Parker’s side.