The Leeds United medical department cleared Noah Okafor for around 20 minutes of football against Tottenham Hotspur, Daniel Farke took the risk and the reward was a 79th-minute winner.
Okafor has been hampered by a groin issue in recent weeks and was only fit enough to come off the bench against Sunderland, before missing out entirely against Bournemouth.
"We have played him relatively long for his standard against Man Utd, 70 minutes and since then he was always struggling with adductor problems," said Farke. "Beginning of the week the doctor said no chance to involve him, but credit to our medical department and Noah, he's been so disciplined working to be available."
Farke's brief from his medical staff was that Okafor could be available against Spurs at Elland Road but only for a brief period. With 77 minutes on the clock Farke made his changes, sending on Okafor and Harry Wilson. Two minutes later the Welshman flicked the ball to his fellow replacement and Okafor took a touch and hammered in what turned out to be a winner.
"The medical department said you have to make sure you stay disciplined and can't bring him on longer than 15 or 20 minutes, this is what the muscle can handle," said Farke.
"He took part yesterday in team training and we're missing important players anyway for our offensive game. We decided to take Noah with us because he can always produce a moment of magic. I'm pleased for him with the finish and Harry his first assist on Premier League level. So they deserve a bit spotlight today. And thank God they delivered today. And thank God we also took the risk with Noah. Important three points for us."