Leeds United desperately need a positive result when Tottenham Hotspur visit Elland Road on Saturday, but Daniel Farke could be forced to reshuffle his team depending on how several injury concerns develop over the coming days.
The Whites have endured a frustrating run of results, and their lack of attacking threat and inability to turn promising performances into points have become increasingly concerning. Saturday offers a chance to restore confidence before the international break, but Farke will want as many senior players available as possible.
Unfortunately, the manager has a few selection headaches. Four members of his squad have question marks hanging over their fitness, leaving Leeds waiting for further clarity ahead of a fixture they can ill afford to approach with a weakened side.
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Rodon offers encouragement, but three others remain concerns
Joe Rodon is the most encouraging case. The defender has returned to partial team training, raising the possibility that he could be available to face his former club Tottenham. However, his involvement remains unconfirmed, and Farke will need to assess whether he is ready to return to competitive action.
Noah Okafor is another concern after suffering an adductor problem, and he missed the Bournemouth defeat. The forward is being assessed, with Leeds waiting to establish the extent of the issue and whether he can recover in time for Saturday.
Gabriel Gudmundsson also needs monitoring after being seen limping following the defeat at the Vitality Stadium. No diagnosis has been confirmed, so his availability remains uncertain.
James Justin completes the list. The defender needed painkillers during the Bournemouth match, and Leeds are keeping a close eye on his condition ahead of the weekend.
Farke faces selection headaches before Tottenham visit
The potential absence of any of these players would be unwelcome, but losing several at once would make Farke’s preparations much harder.
Rodon’s availability is particularly important given Leeds’ need for defensive stability. His experience and ability to play out from the back make him a valuable option, while Gudmundsson and Justin offer alternatives across the defensive positions.
Okafor’s situation could be equally significant. Leeds have struggled to support Dominic Calvert-Lewin in recent matches, and the Swiss international offers pace and directness that have been missing from their attack.
Farke will not want to take unnecessary risks with players who are not fully fit, particularly with the international break approaching. However, he also knows how important Saturday’s fixture is for the mood around Elland Road.
There is still time for some of the concerns to ease, and Rodon’s return to training provides a reason for optimism. But Leeds will be hoping the remaining fitness assessments bring more good news than bad before Tottenham arrive.
