The Wales international has been a regular feature in the Reds’ side of late and played in Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Granada, and has been involved in United's last six Premier League games.
Therefore, James's absence from the 18-man squad was notable when the teams were announced, while Mason Greenwood also moved to the bench.
The boss gave an update on both when speaking to club media at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, ahead of kick-off.
“We'll freshen it up but also keep doing the same things that we have done,“ Ole said. ”Also, Dan had an injury from Thursday night, so he couldn’t be with us.