Leeds United are set to take on Derby County in the third round of the FA Cup, and Daniel Farke will have a number of player injuries to navigate as he looks to progress
Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter
05:00, 09 Jan 2026
Leeds United face Derby this weekend(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Leeds United head into this weekend’s clash with Derby County with question marks looming above the heads of numerous stars due to injury.
The Peacocks travel to Pride Park to take on the Rams in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday, after suffering a minor Premier League setback midweek. Daniel Farke’s side suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Newcastle United on Wednesday, in a game which will go down as an instant classic.
Brenden Aaronson opened the scoring for Leeds 32 minutes into the encounter, only for Harvey Barnes to equalise moments later. Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave the visitors the lead once again on the stroke of half-time with a coolly converted penalty.
Joelinton then equalised in the second-half, before Aaronson bagged his brace with 11 minutes left on the clock as Leeds looked to take all three points from St James’ Park. However, fate had other plans for the encounter.
Bruno Guimaraes stepped up to the plate to convert a penalty of his own after Aaronson was penalised for handball in stoppage time, before Barnes nicked it at the death, 12 minutes into stoppage time. As a result, Leeds sit 16th in the Premier League standings, albeit, eight points clear of the drop zone.
They will have to wait to hopefully build on their position on the table, however, given the FA Cup lands this weekend. While Farke may use the opportunity to rest some of his first-team players in an otherwise hectic period, the German head coach will not have a choice with regards to not utilising others.
Here, Leeds Live looks at the Peacocks’ current injury list, as well as their respective return dates…
Brenden Aaronson
The American looked to be flagging slightly in the latter stages of Leeds’ match with Newcastle on Wednesday evening, before he was replaced by Willy Gnonto in stoppage time. However, Farke has since cleared the air with regards to worries over a potential injury.
It was a case of cramp for Brenden Aaronson(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
The head coach told reporters: “Just cramp. Nothing major,” with regards to the versatile forward, indicating that he will not spend any time sidelined.
Potential return date: January 11 vs Derby
Joe Rodon
Rodon was also subbed off at the same time as Aaronson, replaced by Sebastiaan Bornauw. However, Farke also confirmed that it was a case of cramp for the Welshman too.
Potential return date: January 11 vs Derby
Jayden Bogle
Bogle missed Wednesday’s match as a result of a minor calf issue, and it appears as though the full-back will not be a part of this weekend’s trip to Pride Park. Farke told the media of the player on Thursday: “A few players played many minutes and we’ll assess them if they’re capable and make some late decisions.
Jayden Bogle may miss Derby(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
“I don’t think Jayden Bogle will be a topic, he was not back in team training today. If there’s any risk I would rather rule him out.”
Potential return date: January 17 vs Fulham
Sean Longstaff
The former Newcastle man has been sidelined since November with a calf injury, but could rack up a couple of minutes against Derby. Farke said of the midfielder: “Each and every day helps him. This was a situation where your head has to win over heart.
“Would have been amazing back in Newcastle but I have to take right decisions for the squad. Had him back in dressing room vs Man Utd for leadership and character in dressing room.
Sean Longstaff could see minutes this weekend(Image: Getty Images)
“Wanted to be more prepared if a centre-back had to come off. More days he spends on training pitch – could be involved for FA Cup for a few minutes.”
Potential return date: January 11 vs Derby
Sam Byram
Byram has been struggling with back problems according to Farke, who said: “The only one struggling today was Sam Byram with some back problems, perhaps more to do with travelling recently.” He may miss the game against Derby.
Potential return date: January 17 vs Fulham
Daniel James
The winger has been recovering from a thigh injury as of recent, but still isn’t quite ready to return to action. Farke said: “Daniel James no chance for him to be involved.”
Potential return date: January 17 vs Fulham
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