Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
Injuries

The four key games Joe Rodon could miss for Leeds as Daniel Farke drops new injury details

Harri Burton
Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Daniel Farke has confirmed the severity of the injury suffered by Joe Rodon after the defender's latest blow against Sunderland.

Leeds remain without Dan James and Sean Longstaff, with the Welshman joining his national compatriot on the treatment table ahead of the New Year at Elland Road.

After Leeds drew 1-1 with Sunderland on Sunday, 28 December, Farke's side sit seven points above the dropzone in 16th place, with fears of relegation slowly easing in West Yorkshire.

Wolves, Burnley, and West Ham are favourites to go down, while Nottingham Forest have been backed to make the great escape under Sean Dyche by many, but the Whites have been handed a major blow.

Rodon lasted just 31 minutes at the Stadium of Light before being replaced by Ao Tanaka, and it has now been revealed that Farke could be without his ever-present defender for a number of weeks.

Joe Rodon could be sidelined for three weeks

The 28-year-old took two heavy challenges before being forced off with injury against the Black Cats, and that looks to have taken its toll on the centre-back ahead of some key games.

Speaking in his press conference (30 December), Farke said: "He will miss the Liverpool game. Diagnosis is better than first feared. It's an ankle ligament injury - normally out for around three weeks.

"But we have hope because he is a good healer, so we'll perhaps involve him before. Hopefully, the other side of the FA Cup game. No new injuries."

Joe-Rodon-Leeds
Joe Rodon will be sidelined for Leeds United. (Credit Imago)

Leeds have dealt well with injuries so far this season, with James seemingly the only long-term absentee, given that he has just four Premier League starts to his name in 2025-26.

Leeds United star could be rested vs Derby County

January

  • 1 January: Premier League, Liverpool (A)
  • 4 January: Premier League, Man United (H)
  • 7 January: Premier League, Newcastle United (A)
  • 11 January: FA Cup, Derby County (H)

The timeline would suggest that Rodon could be back in action for when Farke's side welcome Fulham to Elland Road on 17 January, but everyone involved will want to ensure he stays fit for the rest of the season.

Rodon has started all 18 of the Whites' Premier League fixtures so far, so it will be a major blow. The rarely-seen Sebastiaan Bornauw could be called upon instead.

Leeds United
Joe Rodon
Daniel Farke
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