Noah Okafor
LEESwitzerland
Right
May 24, 2000
25
6'1"
187 lb
LW
CF
One-v-One Creator
Leeds UnitedOut two games
Okafor is out for the next two weeks due to a calf strain, according to assistant manager Edmund Riemer. "Then we have got another one with Noah, who picked up a calf strain, so he will miss the next two games. We are hopeful that he will be available for the last game. He sustained an injury in the calf after the FA Cup game. It was the right calf where he got a contusion. And, in the Burnley game, the left calf. So likely will be out the next two games and, as I said, we are hopeful that he will be back for the last game."
Analysis: Okafor is going to sit out the next two games after suffering from a calf strain in FA Cup play, a rough delay for the forward as the end of the season approaches. After starting in their past six games, this is a major loss for the club in the attack, leaving Lukas Nmecha or Brenden Aaronson to return to the starting XI. The good news is Okafor is expected to return for the final match of the season, hopefully fit enough to end the campaign in a starting role.
Scores in Friday's win
Okafor scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Friday's 3-1 victory over Burnley.
Analysis: Okafor scored in Friday's victory, a goal in the 52nd minute which took the 2-0 lead assisted by Jayden Bogle. He now has nine goal contributions this season, five of which have come in the last four matches. This excellent run of form has helped Leeds gain essentially enough points to avoid relegation. He also created two chances and recorded two crosses before he was subbed off in the 65th minute for Lukas Nmecha.
Makes starting XI
Okafor (calf) is in the starting lineup for Friday's game against Burnley.
Analysis: Okafor was dealing with a calf injury sustained during the FA Cup semifinals, but the striker has recovered in time to maintain his regular place in the Whites' attack next to Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Okafor has been productive of late with three goals and one assist over his last three EPL appearances.
Late call Friday
Okafor (calf) took a hit to his calf during the FA Cup semifinal and is a doubt for Friday's clash against Burnley, according to coach Daniel Farke. "Okafor got a hit against his calf, there's a question mark behind his availability."
Analysis: Okafor's status will be determined following further assessment before Friday's match, with manager Daniel Farke stopping short of ruling him out while acknowledging uncertainty heading into the fixture. Wilfried Gnonto and Lukas Nmecha are expected to be among the candidates to fill in should Okafor be unable to go. His availability is one of several fitness concerns for Leeds heading into a crucial stretch of the season.
Records goal and assist
Okafor scored one goal and assisted once from two shots and four chances created in Saturday's 3-0 win against Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Okafor played a decisive role in Saturday's 3-0 win over Wolverhampton at Elland Road, scoring in the first half after converting Brenden Aaronson's inch-perfect low cross to the far post, then creating a chance earlier in the move that led to James Justin's opener just two minutes prior. The Swiss winger remained a constant threat on the left flank throughout, adding an interception defensively and finishing as his side's most dangerous wide outlet with four key passes. Okafor has now scored three goals in his last two Premier League appearances, taking his season tally to seven and firmly establishing himself as his team's second top scorer.
Scores brace in win
Okafor scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Monday's 2-1 win versus Manchester United.
Analysis: Okafor made the starting lineup after dealing with a back issue, and he scored both goals that led to his team's big win at Old Trafford, firing low shots from inside and outside the box in the fifth and 29th minutes, respectively. The fact that Okafor has recorded four goals and two assists across his last six official appearances makes him a serious threat if he continues to be chosen over Lukas Nmecha in upcoming fixtures.
Finds starting XI
Okafor (back) is in the starting XI for Monday's match against Manchester United.
Analysis: Okafor has healed from his back injury and is one of the numerous players returning to the starting XI immediately following an injury, as he sees the start at forward. He will now look to remain in this role moving forward alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as Okafor has bagged four goals in 24 appearances (15 starts) this season.
Questionable 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.
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