Noah Okafor
LEESwitzerland
Right
May 24, 2000
25
6'1"
187 lb
LW
CF
One-v-One Creator
Leeds UnitedQuestionable for Monday
Okafor is questionable for Monday's match against Manchester United due to a back injury, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Noah Okafor today, not in team training, is struggling with some back problems - also question mark behind his availability. [He is a] doubt. So, if you would play the game already tomorrow, then [he] wouldn't be available. We have a bit more time, and I am hopeful that I have [him] ready."
Analysis: Okafor is one of the numerous Leeds players in danger of missing out Monday, although he seems to be in the most positive spot, now questionable with a back injury. Unfortunately for the club, they will lose a starter from the past match if he is out, forcing a change. That said, if he doesn't pass his late testing, James Nmecha or Wilfried Gnonto are possible replacements for the forward.
Provides assist in victory
Okafor provided one assist to go with two chances created in Sunday's 2-2 (2-4) penalty shootout win over West Ham.
Analysis: Okafor nearly fired Leeds in front in the second minute of Sunday's FA Cup quarterfinal against West Ham, forcing a strong save from Alphonse Areola with a low effort toward the bottom corner before also setting up Ao Tanaka for the opener. He logged 69 minutes before being subbed off, ending the match with one shot and two chances created in an energetic showing out of the attacking midfield. Okafor now has two goals and two assists in his last five appearances across all competitions.
Makes bench Saturday
Okafor (hamstring) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Brentford.
Analysis: Okafor is back in the squad for Saturday's match against Brentford but starts on the bench after missing the last five matches due to a hamstring injury. The forward is expected to be eased back into action, with limited minutes likely as he builds up fitness, and should return to a rotational role.
Back available Saturday
Okafor (hamstring) trained this week and is back available for Saturday's match against Brentford, according to coach Daniel Farke. "Noah is back in training and available, definitely good news."
Analysis: Okafor trained since the beginning of the week and is back available for Saturday's match against Brentford after missing the last five matches with a hamstring injury. The forward held a rotational role prior to his absence and is expected to return to that spot, although the staff are likely to manage his workload, with limited minutes expected initially before gradually increasing.
Out another game
Okafor (hamstring) is out for Sunday's match against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Okafor was doubtful for Sunday and has not made the call due to his hamstring injury. A return remains up in the air for the forward as they work towards the international break, now likely to miss out until after the break to be cautious.
Still doubt to return
Okafor (hamstring) is doubtful for Sunday's match against Crystal Palace, according to manager Daniel Farke. "And Noah was yesterday the first time with us back in full team training. Today he missed out due to some reported problems with his hip, so we still have 48 hours. With Noah, due to the fact that he was out only today with his hip, I think it is very doubtful that he is available for the weekend. Everyone else is in a good mood and also well."
Analysis: Okafor has already been missing time due to a hamstring injury and will continue to remain sidelined, it appears, as he is now a doubt once again. This comes after he returned to team training this week but was held out Thursday, with the forward suffering a hip injury. He will now remain a doubt for the game and seems more than likely to miss out, probably only earning a bench role even if he is selected for the team sheet.
Training with ball
Okafor (hamstring) has taken part in ball drills as he nears his return from injury.
Analysis: Okafor has been out since Feb. 15 while dealing with a muscular issue, and he may initially be used as a substitute once he's ready to play. Still, his presence should give the team a strong attacking option who scored or assisted in each of his last three outings before suffering the injury. He could serve as a partner or replacement for the injury-prone Dominic Calvert-Lewin (knee) while also threatening Brenden Aaronson's playing time.
Remains out
Okafor (hamstring) won't be available for Sunday's FA Cup match against Norwich City, Daniel Farke told media Friday. "Okafor is not in team training yet so for that he is not available for this game."
Analysis: Okafor suffered a hamstring injury against Birmingham in the previous round of the FA Cup on Feb. 15, and the winger hasn't even returned to training, so his recovery has taken longer than expected. His next chance to return to action will come against Crystal Palace on March 15, but that will depend on whether he's able to return to training in the coming days.
Out 2-4 weeks
Okafor (hamstring) is ruled out for the next two matches after sustaining the injury last weekend in a cup match, coach Daniel Farke said in the press conference. "Sadly, Noah has suffered an injury in the last Cup game, a hamstring injury. He will be out in between two and four weeks."
Analysis: Okafor is ruled out for the next two matches after sustaining a hamstring injury last weekend in a Cup match. The forward had started the previous game, and his absence could be felt, as he has recorded four goals and one assist across 25 appearances in all competitions this season. Jayden Bogle or Lukas Nmecha are likely to start in his place depending on the formation deployed by coach Daniel Farke.
Injured Sunday
Okafor suffered a muscle injury in his hamstring, according to manager Daniel Farke, per Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post. "After a sprint, he felt a bit in his muscle. I hope it's a cramp, but we have to assess him."
Analysis: Okafor would play up until the 82nd minute Sunday but would be taken off, unfortunately suffering an injury before doing so. He is now set for assessment as the club holds its breath and hopes for only a minor injury. He did start the last match, so they will monitor the situation, with four goals in 15 starts in 23 appearances this season.
Nets one as sub
Okafor scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Chelsea.
Analysis: Okafor came on in the 55th minute for Leeds, proving to be a big game changer with a goal to give Leeds the one point Tuesday. This was his second goal in two matches and his fourth on the season, collecting eight shots on target, 14 key passes and 33 successful dribbles in 24 PL appearances.
Emphatic finish in win
Okafor scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) and four crosses (zero accurate) in Friday's 3-1 victory against Nottingham Forest. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 61st minute.
Analysis: Okafor slammed the ball into the roof of the net Friday from the center of the goalmouth to score Leeds United's second goal in the resounding 3-1 home win over Nottingham Forest. In addition to his goal, the attacking-midfielder tracked-back to make three tackles (two won) and one clearance. Okafor's goal broke a three-month goalless stretch that dated back to Gameweek 6.
Strong offensive effort
Okafor generated two shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Fulham.
Analysis: Okafor started for a 14th time in 19 appearances during league play this season and delivered a solid effort by recording more than one shot for the first time in four of those outings. He also picked up his second shot on target in that span. Additionally, he accounted for a chance created and racked up double digits in completed passes for the first time in four league appearances.
Single cross off bench
Okafor registered one cross (zero accurate) and one tackle in Thursday's 0-0 draw against Liverpool.
Analysis: Okafor fell to the bench after failing to score in the last four matches and had a quiet cameo off the bench. It's one of the busiest parts of the season, so it's entirely likely that this was just planned rotation. Either way Okafor has struggled for end product, with only two goals since joining Leeds United, both at the start of the campaign.
Off at half
Okafor came off at half time during Friday's clash with West Ham.
Analysis: Okafor returned to the starting XI after recovering from a groin injury, but seemingly wasn't fully fit. He was deemed healthy enough for 45 minutes before Jack Harrison came on to play the second half. Okafor didn't seem to have any new injury concern before half time, but wasn't fully fit.
Makes XI
Okafor (groin) is in the starting lineup for Friday's game against West Ham United.
Analysis: Okafor was a late call for this contest, but the speedy winger will not only be available, but he'll start right away. Okafor has two goals in five appearances (four starts) this season with Leeds.
Late call for Friday
Okafor (groin) is doubtful for Friday's match aganst West HAm, according to manager Daniel Farke. "Noah is making some good progress in his rhab but he was not able to complete the whole team training this week so far. We will definitely make some late decisions. Obviously, Noah was now out as long. Perhaps for him it is a bit more realistic to be involved."
Analysis: Okafor seems to be a alte call for Saturday's match, unlikely to play but still having a small chance to make it through as fit. This is after he was unable to fully join the team for training, already having missed one match due to the injury. He will now look to pass some testing and return to his starting role immediately, as he has started in four of the club's seven games thus far.
Ruled out Saturday
Okafor (groin) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Burnley.
Analysis: Okafor remains sidelined as he couldn't recover in time from his groin injury to make the match squad against the Clarets. Jack Harrison is seeing a greater role while he is out.
Struggling with groin issue
Okafor (groin) is a bit of a doubt for Saturday's trip to Burnley, per manager Daniel Farke. "Noah Okafor is also struggling a little bit with some adductor problems, he could be perhaps even in contention to be picked for the squad, so I didn't expect this."
Analysis: Okafor is dealing with a groin issue and is now in doubt for Saturday's trip. The forward started four matches in a row prior to the international break, and is now in doubt for the first match after the break. Even if he's deemed fit to play it seems unlikely that he's going to be ready for the starting XI. Jack Harrison is in line for the start on the left wing with Okafor in doubt.
Scores in loss
Okafor scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 64th minute.
Analysis: Okafor notched his second goal of the season as he equalized the match in the 34th minute. He was in the right place in the box as the ball went his way after the goalkeeper made a save.
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