‘Late decision could change everything’ – Full injury breakdown ahead of Leeds United’s do-or-die Oxford showdown with 5 out and 3 doubtful

Leeds United head to the Kassam Stadium on Good Friday with promotion hopes on the line, and Daniel Farke has delivered a mixed bag of team news ahead of the clash with relegation-threatened Oxford United.

Victory in Oxfordshire could push the Whites one major step closer to the Premier League, especially with third-placed Sheffield United breathing down their necks. But Friday’s fixture is no formality, as Gary Rowett’s U’s are still fighting for their lives at the foot of the Championship table.

Farke’s side face several absences and a couple of late decisions heading into the game, with one key name potentially making a dramatic return just in time.

Oxford and Leeds will both be without five confirmed players between them, with three others classed as doubts. Here’s the full lowdown on every injury worry ahead of the massive Kassam Stadium clash:

Out for Oxford United

• Ciaron Brown – The defender has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a ligament injury in the first half of Oxford’s 3-1 defeat to QPR. A blow for Rowett’s backline.

• Max Woltman – Yet to play a single minute this season due to a long-term leg injury and remains unavailable.

Doubtful for Oxford

• Hidde ter Avest – Missed the Sheffield Wednesday win after picking up a slight concussion against QPR. Rowett says there’s an “outside chance” he could be involved on Friday.

• Elliott Moore – The U’s captain has missed five straight games with a hamstring issue. He’s resumed individual training but no update yet on whether he has rejoined full training.

Out for Leeds United

• Pascal Struijk – Farke confirmed the Dutchman’s season is officially over after a fractured foot. No surgery required, but he’s out for 10 weeks and will return in pre-season.

• Sam Chambers – Continues to recover from glandular fever. Farke ruled him out again for this weekend.

• Joe Rothwell – Still sidelined with a calf injury. He’s expected to miss both of Leeds’ Easter weekend matches, though there is hope he could return against Bristol City.

Doubtful for Leeds

• Daniel James – Missed the win over Preston with a hamstring injury, sparking fears of a long lay-off. Farke confirmed on Wednesday that he’s improving and could be involved on Monday — but he hasn’t ruled out a Good Friday cameo, calling it a “late decision.”

Leeds remain second in the table and know promotion is firmly in their control, while Oxford are battling to keep their heads above the drop zone. Both teams will be feeling the pressure and balancing their squads with that in mind.

Farke’s men have momentum — and perhaps a returning Daniel James — but will have to navigate selection hurdles carefully if they’re to maintain their top-two charge.

The full story of this fixture may depend on that one “late decision.”

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