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How Leeds United could line-up at Sunderland if Calvert-Lewin, Stach and Okafor are absent
Sunderland v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Daniel Farke has suffered a triple injury blow ahead of Sunday’s trip to Sunderland. But if Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach and Noah Okafor are missing, how could Leeds United line up?

These days, Leeds have much more strength in depth. But losing both Calvert-Lewin and Okafor will come as a real blow to the Whites, who have now gone three Premier League games without picking up a win.

On top of that, Farke’s record against Sunderland is dismal. His only win against the Black Cats came when Pascal Struijk scored a brace late on back in 2024-25. He’s won one of eight games against them.

What’s wrong with Calvert-Lewin, Okafor and Stach?

Farke told reporters in his press conference this week that Calvert-Lewin and Stach have foot injuries. Calvert-Lewin’s sounded more promising, with the striker suffering an impact injury against Man United.

Then there is Okafor, who sounds a bit more serious. An adductor problem, which is something Okafor has had to deal with before. Farke explained that the trio could all miss the trip to the Stadium of Light.

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“Offensive players from the last game are all doubtful. Calvert-Lewin got a tackle late on and is struggling with a bruised foot. Anton Stach, question mark on availability; foot problem, painful at the moment.

Noah Okafor is struggling with adductor problems. If the game were today, none would be available; all have missed sessions this week. Good news is we still have two days; try to make them available,” he said.

How could Leeds line up if all three are missing on Sunday?

Farke had gone five Premier League games without making a change, something not done since Howard Wilkinson did it back in 1994-95. A side that included Gary McAllister, Brian Deane and Gordon Strachan.

Goalkeeper, defence and wing-backs remain the same. James Trafford in goal, a back three of James Justin, Nico Elvedi and Tarik Muharemovic, while Justin Bogle and Gabi Gudmundsson remain out wide.

Stach had been playing slightly ahead of Ampadu and Tanaka. The German sits joint-first for distance covered in the Premier League alongside Brentford’s Vitaly Janelt. Leeds need a workhorse in the gaps.

Brenden Aaronson, then, makes sense. Sean Longstaff could also come in, but that would take away any attacking threat from midfield. Harry Wilson could also come in alongside Aaronson behind a striker.

That would see Wilson replace Okafor, in a slight tweak to the formation. If Calvert-Lewin is missing, then a straight swap up top is expected – in Lukas Nmecha. A new-look front three to take on Sunderland.

Predicted XI without Calvert-Lewin, Stach and Okafor: Trafford; Justin, Elvedi, Muharemovic; Bogle, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Aaronson, Wilson; Nmecha.

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