Leeds United sweat on Dan James before Chelsea
Daniel Farke shared a light-hearted reunion and hug with injured former Leeds forward Georginio Rutter after the draw at Brighton, where ex-White Pascal Struijk was booed.
Willy Gnonto made his Fiorentina debut in a 2-1 defeat at Torino, but faces uncertainty after Fabio Grosso was sacked following three straight Serie A losses.
Gabriel Gudmundsson said Leeds would have lost at Brighton last season, hailing their resilience after a 1-1 draw in which they led through Jayden Bogle and defended stoutly.
Dan James missed Leeds' draw at Brighton after reporting back pain in the warm-up. Farke hopes the winger will be available for Wednesday's EFL Cup trip to Chelsea.
Brenden Aaronson has no goals in 25 Leeds games and no assist in 10. With Chelsea up next, Harry Wilson is backed to replace him and add needed final-third threat.
Former Leeds keeper Lucas Perri has made a mixed start at Torino, with errors against Fiorentina and Monza raising 'uncertainty', though he remains first choice as Leeds watch the €16m option.
Gordon Strachan said Leeds must get support closer to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, arguing the striker is too isolated and needs runners around him to score more regularly.
Leeds are expected to rotate at Chelsea in the EFL Cup, with Michael Zetterer and Jean-Matteo Bahoya tipped for debuts. Rodon remains out and Gruev is not yet ready.
Lukas Nmecha's brother Felix has emerged as an £86m target for Manchester United, with Newcastle also interested, raising the prospect of a Leeds-United sibling rivalry if a deal progresses.
