Injury expert: James could be ruled out for ‘a month’ at Leeds amid ‘extraordinary’ claim
Daniel James could be out for up to a month if he is rushed back from injury at Leeds United.
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
James, who signed from Man United for £25million in August, did not emerge for the second half of Leeds’ 7-0 defeat to Man City on 14 December.
The Telegraph reported last Thursday (16 December) that the Welsh winger has sustained a muscular problem and joined Leeds’ growing injury list.
Bielsa has been forced to rush players back from time on the sidelines as well as field inexperienced youngsters in recent weeks.
Dinnery fears that the 24-year-old, who he claims is particularly susceptible to muscle problems, could return to first-team action sooner than is ideal.
“This is an adductor problem, so groin-related,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“Due to the very nature of the sport, there are quick dynamic, explosive movements.
“Given Dan James’ playing style, he is more susceptible to picking up these types of problems.
“As with every muscle and soft tissue problem, you can’t really rush these players back. You are always, always at risk of exacerbating that problem.
“A seven-day or two-week injury can easily turn out to be a month if they are not managed correctly.
“But given the extraordinary situation at Leeds, Bielsa is managing a very fine risk-and-reward line.
“We have seen players who have spent long periods on the sidelines be thrown back in with just a few training sessions under their belts.”
James has registered one goal and two assists since his summer move to Elland Road.
Leeds were set to face Liverpool on Boxing Day but that clash has been called off amid a spate of Covid cases at Thorp Arch.
In other news, Leeds United line up John Swift move after £7million asking price plummets.