Leeds will be without 3 players vs Liverpool including Daniel Farke's 'warrior'

Liverpool hosts Leeds United in the Premier League on New Year's Day, seeking to firm up its place in the Champions League spots after a tough first half of the campaign

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.(Image: Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

Leeds United will be without three players for its visit to Anfield to take on Liverpool on New Year's Day, with the newly-promoted Premier League side seeking to cause another upset.

Only a few weeks ago, Daniel Farke's team drew 3-3 with Liverpool at Elland Road. Ao Tanaka scored a late equalizer in that game, which was then overshadowed by Mohamed Salah's explosive mixed zone interview with a handful of reporters.

This time around, Liverpool looks in a much more stable position. Arne Slot's men have won every game in all competitions since the draw at Leeds, and both Chelsea and Manchester United have already dropped points this week.

For the trip to Anfield, Leeds will be without center-back Joe Rodon. The Welsh defender limped off in Leeds' draw at Sunderland last time out and will not be available against Liverpool.

"The diagnosis is better than we were fearing straight after the game because it didn’t look really good," Farke explained on Tuesday.

"The assessment is an ankle ligament injury, and normally, yeah, you will be out for around three weeks. Normally, he is a good healer, so perhaps, there is a chance to involve him even before."

Joe Rodon is an injury doubt for Leeds United(Image: (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images))

Farke had previously described Rodon as his "warrior" at the back. He will be missing here having played every minute in the league up until the point he got injured in Leeds' last game.

Winger Daniel James is also set to be out. "No surgery," Farke confirmed earlier this month. "So, thank God, it's the conservative route.

"But it will still be about eight weeks in total before he can return to team training. And then, let's see how quickly he can be back to full speed."

Sean Longstaff is also injured with a leg issue. "He is progressing in his rehab, also doing individual stuff on the pitch, running, and a little bit with a ball," Farke said.

"But the first step will be for him to be integrated into team training, and then, of course, a few training sessions to be available. Then, we decide, from game to game and from day to day."

After hosting Leeds, Liverpool then has trips to Fulham and Arsenal. By the end of January, it will also play Burnley, Bournemouth and Newcastle in the Premier League.

Liverpool.com says: Slot's men appear to have stopped the rot, which is important. They will need to get better again in the next few months, but a Champions League spot feels realistic again. Secure that and go far in Europe, and this season will be a success.