Leeds: Daniel Farke’s worst fears may have just come true amid Gabriel Gudmundsson injury scare
Leeds United may have just been dealt a major blow in their fight against relegation amid injury concerns over Gabriel Gudmundsson from Thursday night.
The left-back played a significant role for Sweden as they won 3-1 away at Ukraine in their World Cup play-off semi-final, but he was substituted in the 77th minute of the encounter.
Sweden boss Graham Potter opted to remove the Whites star from the clash after a collision saw him require treatment in the 66th minute, but he didn’t last long after returning to the action.
His international team now host Poland for a spot in this summer’s World Cup on Tuesday night, and it remains to be seen whether the 26-year-old will be fit to play in that clash.
Leeds have suffered badly with injuries all season, and the last thing that Daniel Farke and Co. need at the moment is for one of their key players to be facing a period on the sidelines.
🏥 Leeds United Injury News 🏥
Access definitive fitness updates from Thorp Arch: real-time injury news, recovery timelines, and the latest return dates for the Whites’ first-team squad.
VISIT THE LEEDS INJURY HUBGabriel Gudmundsson shrouded in concern despite continuing
Leeds can take some solace from the fact that Gudmundsson did at least continue the game for around 10 minutes after returning to the pitch, but there will still be plenty of concern from Farke.
The former Lille man has been an integral piece of the puzzle at Elland Road this season, as he has started in 28 of the team’s 31 Premier League games up to this point.
| Stats | Gudmundsson Total |
| Starts | 28 |
| G/A | – |
| Successful Pass % | 76.2% |
| Successful Cross % | 26.9% |
| Duels Won % | 53.6% |
| Tackles per 90 | 2.32 |
He is one of the first names on the team sheet for the Whites, and as a result, will have been due to take on a lot of responsibility in the final few weeks of the season with their survival still on the line.
The defender was seen limping after the collision on Thursday night, according to Swedish outlet Expressen, with his injury appearing to be affecting his knee.
The fact that Gudmundsson was not deemed as being able to continue until the final whistle will be of major concern to Farke, even if it ultimately does prove to be little more than a knock.
The Whites have a prompt return to action with their FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham taking place on Sunday 5 April, and they will be keen to get an official diagnosis on Gudmundsson as quickly as possible.
Who would step in for Gudmundsson at Leeds?
Leeds fans have been gushing over James Justin’s performances this season after his summer arrival, and if Gudmundsson were to face a period on the sidelines, then he would surely be called upon.
The former Leicester City man is capable of playing on either side of the backline, and he has proven his versatility with some assured displays when needed this term.
He has started in the left-back role in Leeds’ recent stalemates against Crystal Palace and Brentford, and he would surely be ready to fulfil the same role again if needed in the coming weeks.
It remains to be seen whether Gudmundsson’s injury was merely a knock or something to be more concerned about, but it is fair to say that it is enough for Farke to wake up with a little panic in his head on Friday.
🚨 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Leeds United Insider Access
Get the full story from Elland Road and Thorp Arch with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of West Yorkshire.