Daniel Farke surely sweating over Gabriel Gudmundsson after what was said away from Leeds
Daniel Farke’s worst nightmare would be for Leeds United stars to return to Elland Road injured after the international break.
The Whites are already battling against relegation, with Farke under tremendous pressure as Leeds boss, winning just three of his 11 league matches since winning promotion to the Premier League.
Leeds lost 3-1 to Nottingham Forest ahead of the international break, leaving the owners with a difficult decision to make on the manager’s future. It looks as though he is safe for now.
Farke has already been without Willy Gnonto and Sebastiaan Bornauw, and the former Norwich City boss could be without another big name once Premier League football resumes.
Gabriel Gudmundsson suffers mystery injury away from Leeds United
Gabriel Gudmundsson was replaced by Jack Harrison for the final few minutes at the City Ground, though it was not suggested that the move was anything other than tactical from the manager.
Now, the Sweden international appears to have picked up a new injury away from Elland Road, and it will be a major concern for Farke, who is already battling against the odds in the Premier League.
According to Sweden’s press officer [Fotboll Skanalen], the Leeds defender missed training as a “safety measure due to a feeling”, but it is not clear what the injury is.
Farke will be sweating over the vagueness of the update from the press officer, especially given the lack of depth in his squad following an indifferent summer transfer window.
Who could replace Gudmundsson at left-back if he returns injured?
Throwing Harrison in is certainly not an option after the winger gave away a penalty at the City Ground, so Farke may feel the need to experiment with the position.
James Justin is more than capable of swapping flanks to cover the left-back spot, and Sam Byram is still an option if the Whites become truly desperate.
Although Gudmundsson scored an own goal in the fourth minute of added time against Fulham, he has been defensively solid in the Premier League and a very good purchase for the Whites.
If he were to return injured ahead of facing Aston Villa, Farke would be scrambling to find a solution.