Leeds fans must be concerned by Daniel Farke’s Ao Tanaka update ahead of Liverpool clash
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Credit: Imago Thu 4 December 2025 17:15, UK Ao Tanaka was a surprise hero as Leeds United claimed an unexpected win over Chelsea to relieve pressure on Daniel Farke’s job.Cole Palmer returned to the pitch for Chelsea, but not even that was enough for the Blues to avoid an embarrassing defeat at Elland Road on Wednesday, 3 December.Jaka Bijol emulated defensive partner Joe Rodon with a smashing header after just six minutes, with Tanaka popping up with a fine finish from outside the area to put breathing room between the teams.Pedro Neto has turned his fortunes around at Stamford Bridge, but even his goal early in the second half did little to turn the game around, with the Whites sealing all three points via Dominic Calvert-Lewin.Leeds United hit with injury worries ahead of Liverpool clashDan James is new to the treatment table, suffering a hamstring injury against Man City, joining Sean Longstaff, and there could be yet more bad news to come from Thorp Arch.Of course, Leeds will feel confident welcoming Liverpool to Elland Road on Saturday, 6 December, after their win over Chelsea, and the Reds slipping up against Sunderland on the same night. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES However, the Whites have only avoided defeat in two of their seven meetings since 2016, so if Farke is to work miracles again in front of a packed-out crowd, he will need his strongest team available.DF: "It's positive we shared the load so far.
He is hopefully in the ice bath right now. We need the whole squad." #lufc— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) December 4, 2025 View Tweet Speaking in his press conference (4 December), though, when asked about Tanaka, he said: “With Tanaka, it is trickier.
He is hopefully in the ice bath right now. We have to see how quickly they recover.”Ao Tanaka could be missing at upcoming game at Elland Road There is no doubt that Tanaka will remain in the headlines ahead of Liverpool, solely because of his spectacular goal, but he was so much more important than just making it 2-0 at Elland Road.In 67 minutes, he had a total of four shots, made three passes into the final third, made two recoveries, and caused chaos in the middle of the park with his presence [FotMob].The Japanese international was integral to Leeds winning the Championship last season, but with only six Premier League starts to his name this term, fans have been concerned by his drop-off.Clearly, he has special moments still within him, like pulling the trigger from long range against Chelsea, but Farke may not be able to depend on him when Arne Slot‘s side visit at the weekend.