Daniel Farke prepares Leeds for Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 2:05 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is preparing his squad for Wednesday's Carabao Cup third-round match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The team enters the fixture with uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Daniel James, who reported a back issue following a warm-up at Brighton. While scan results were positive, Farke indicated James must clear two training sessions before being cleared to play. Farke confirmed that the starting lineup will include squad rotation to help integrate new players into the system. Michael Zetterer could potentially make his club debut in goal, though a final decision remains pending. Farke acknowledged the difficulty of the matchup, noting that Chelsea enters the game as favorites, but emphasized the club's intent to remain competitive in the cup.
- •Leeds United plays Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday at 20:00 BST.
- •Daniel James is a doubt with a back injury pending further training evaluation.
- •Farke will utilize squad rotation to integrate new players into the lineup.
- •Goalkeeper Michael Zetterer remains a candidate for his potential club debut.
- 2:05 PMYahoo Sports — Farke provides update on injury worry for Leeds United star
- 11:39 AMYahoo Sports — Farke on James, squad rotation and Chelsea
"Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 20:00 BST). Farke said there's "a little question mark" over Daniel James as he "reported an issue with his back after the warm-up at Brighton". He added: "The scan results were good. Farke confirmed there will be some squad rotation against Chelsea to help "integrate new players".
"Daniel Farke is “carefully optimistic” Daniel James will be available for Leeds’ Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea despite suffering a fitness scare.James reported discomfort in his back and hamstr...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 2:05 PMFarke provides update on injury worry for Leeds United star
Daniel Farke is “carefully optimistic” Daniel James will be available for Leeds’ Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea despite suffering a fitness scare.James reported discomfort in his back and hamstr...
- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 11:39 AMFarke on James, squad rotation and Chelsea
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup third-round tie against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 20:00 BST). Farke said there's "a little question mark" over Daniel James as he "reported an issue with his back after the warm-up at Brighton". He added: "The scan results were good. Farke confirmed there will be some squad rotation against Chelsea to help "integrate new players".
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