Leeds United are preparing for their upcoming Championship fixture against Swansea City, which is set to take place in a week. During the international break, manager Daniel Farke is likely keeping a close watch on his players, hoping they avoid injuries while representing their national teams. Leeds are already managing injuries to three players: Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Largie Ramazani. However, Ramazani recently hinted at a return by posting a picture of his boots back on.
The team faces a challenging winter schedule, with five matches in just 16 days. After Swansea, they will play Luton Town, Blackburn Rovers, Derby County, and Middlesbrough, concluding the run on December 10. Injuries are a significant concern, especially with the intense schedule, and defender Joe Rodon is a player the club is monitoring closely.
Rodon was in action for Wales in their UEFA Nations League match against Turkey. Despite Turkey dominating the game and creating several scoring opportunities, including a missed penalty in the final minutes, Wales managed a goalless draw. Rodon, alongside Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, played a crucial role in securing the clean sheet and maintaining Wales’ unbeaten run under manager Craig Bellamy.
During the match, Rodon sustained a head injury after clashing with teammate Mark Harris while attempting to clear a Turkish cross. The collision resulted in a deep gash, but Rodon downplayed the incident, stating it was a routine occurrence in Championship football. He confirmed there were no serious issues, allowing him to avoid any concussion protocols that might sideline him for an extended period.
Junior Firpo, another Leeds player, was also active during the international break, helping the Dominican Republic edge closer to their first-ever qualification for the 2025 Gold Cup. Firpo, however, is set to miss Leeds’ next two games due to a separate issue.
Leeds have a busy week ahead, with several players still involved in international fixtures. These include Max Wober for Austria, Brenden Aaronson for the United States, Wilfried Gnonto for Italy U21s, and others such as Dan James and Joe Rodon for Wales. Fortunately for Leeds, some key players like Wober, Aaronson, and Ao Tanaka have not yet played during the break, which means they will return well-rested.
Daniel Farke will undoubtedly hope the remaining matches of the break pass without further injuries as Leeds gear up for a demanding period in the Championship.