James missed Leeds‘ penalty shootout victory over Championship club Birmingham City in the FA Cup due to a back injury.

Leeds progressed 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the 90 minutes, with Lukas Nmecha having opened the scoring in the second half.

Birmingham sent the game to extra time thanks to an 89th minute Patrick Roberts equaliser, but his miss in the shootout would contribute to Leeds advancing into the fifth round of the competition.

Dan James decision ‘looking poorer by the day’

James has only started four Premier League matches this season, and the 28-year-old may have been handed an opportunity against Birmingham.

The Welshman has missed a large chunk of the season due to injuries, after being a key player during their Championship campaign last season.

Leeds rewarded James with a new contract in July 2025, which keeps him at Elland Road until 2029, after first joining the club from Manchester United in 2021.

Fans though believe the club should sell James in the next transfer window due to his poor injury record and lack of availability this season.

One supporter said James is becoming a “liability” whilst one claimed he “won’t ever impact things the same way again” due to his injury problems.

Leeds face competition for new number one

Whilst Lucas Perri had a fine game in-between the sticks against Birmingham, Daniel Farke could look to upgrade the position in the summer transfer window.

Perri has come in for criticism from the fanbase at times this season, and Leeds could target James Trafford to replace the 28-year-old.

Trafford has had limited game time at Manchester City this season, and the shot stopper could be on the lookout for a number one spot elsewhere.

Trafford was a key part behind Burnley‘s promotion to the Premier League last season, and the 23-year-old may not want to sit on the bench at Man City for another season.

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