Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Mon 6 April 2026 12:00, UK

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Sebastiaan Bornauw could be the main beneficiary of Leeds United‘s injury problems after facing West Ham in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Despite beating the Hammers on penalties to reach the semi-finals at Wembley Stadium, Daniel Farke was handed two major blows to Anton Stach and Joe Rodon on Sunday, 5 April.

The former was forced off after just 38 minutes, with the Welsh defender then being replaced seven minutes into the second half, and the Whites soon lost control of the game in East London.

Leeds’ transfer plans could depend largely on the club’s league status ahead of the summer window, and while Bornauw has had very limited opportunities, that could change in the final few weeks of the season.

Joe Rodon could be sidelined at Leeds United

Stach has already revealed his swollen ankle on social media after being clattered by Max Kilman, and it remains unclear just how serious Rodon’s setback is at Elland Road.

The Welshman was pictured back on the bench for the remainder of the game, nursing his knee with a large icepack, and losing the 28-year-old would be a major blow.

He has started 29 of Leeds’ 31 Premier League matches, even netting twice to secure important points, normally being partnered with Pascal Struijk and Jaka Bijol, or just one of them in a back-four.

Managers have not often had to worry about Rodon missing key games, but after being replaced by Bornauw at the London Stadium, Farke may have to deal without the centre-half finally.

Sebastiaan Bornauw must save his career at Elland Road

Bornauw must take advantage of Leeds’ blow, having only made 13 appearances across all competitions since arriving from Wolfsburg on a £5.1million deal in the summer of 2025.

He has only started eight of these matches, which certainly makes him seem like a bit-part player in West Yorkshire this season, and fans are suggesting that he could already be on his way out.

Football Insider understood last month that Leeds would accept an offer for Bijol. However, since then, the centre-back has revived his career at Elland Road, and Bornauw must follow suit.

If he is to play a big role in securing Premier League safety, as well as getting Leeds to an FA Cup final, he may be given a lot more minutes during the 2026-27 campaign.