The winger started his first Premier League match of the season in the 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth on October 31, but was an unused substitute in the subsequent victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Farke opted for Lukas Nmecha on the left, with Noah Okafor not fully fit, while Sean Longstaff replaced the injured Anton Stach.
James had also missed matches against Arsenal and Manchester United after suffering a back injury on international duty. He was left out of the squad for the trip to Sunderland before returning to contention against Bournemouth.
Speaking to Leeds United’s official media while away with Wales, the 29-year-old admitted that watching from the sidelines is difficult, but said he understands the collective demands of the team.
“I can't lie, obviously you do get frustrated not playing, but you have to give your all for the team.
“Because ultimately it's a team game and, even if you're not getting as many minutes as you want, you want to perform and train every day, push players that are starting as well.”
James felt good during his appearance against Bournemouth, but accepts that selection remains the manager’s decision.
“I played against Bournemouth a couple of weeks ago. I felt really good, but ultimately it's always down to the manager of what team he wants to set up in.
“But I've just got to be ready every time, and I feel like I am. I've got myself in a good place to whenever I'm called upon, that I feel ready. And I feel really good coming to this camp.”
The forward also rejected suggestions that his pace has diminished following a series of injuries over the past 18 months.
“I'm definitely just as quick,” he said, explaining that his focus has increasingly been on maintaining that speed throughout matches and extending his career.
James also praised Leeds’ start to the campaign, with the win over Tottenham providing an important result before the international break.
“I think we've had a great start. I think it was very important for us to get a result coming to this international break. I thought we were really good, and put on a great performance.”
For James, the challenge now is to turn his fitness and confidence into more opportunities at Elland Road.