Leeds United will be without Joe Rodon for a few more weeks after the defender suffered a hamstring injury in the draw with Brentford.
Rodon went down during the 1-1 draw at Elland Road on August 30 and was subsequently assessed by the Leeds medical team.
Daniel Farke later confirmed that the centre-back faced an eight-to-10-week recovery period, meaning Leeds were likely to be without him for a significant chunk of the autumn.
It is a frustrating blow for Farke, particularly with Rodon having established himself as an important part of the back three.
Read More: 5 out, 7 doubts: Full Arsenal vs Leeds United injury news
When could Joe Rodon return?
Rodon’s recovery is still ongoing, and Leeds has yet to set a firm return date. The eight-to-10-week timeline does, however, give us a rough idea.
His injury occurred on August 30, meaning eight weeks falls around October 25, while 10 weeks takes him towards November 8.
That points towards late October or early November as the most realistic window for his return, assuming his rehabilitation continues without any setbacks.
It is important not to treat October 25 as a guaranteed comeback date.
Hamstring injuries can be unpredictable, and Leeds will have no reason to take unnecessary risks with one of their key defenders. If Rodon needs an extra week or two, Farke will almost certainly prefer that to bringing him back prematurely and risking another setback.
Read More: “Thank god we have him” – Daniel Farke hails unlikely Leeds United player
Which games will Rodon miss?
The first one is already clear.
Rodon will miss Leeds’ trip to Arsenal on October 10, with Farke previously indicating that the defender was unlikely to be available immediately after the international break.
Depending on his recovery, he could also miss the following fixtures.
The Manchester United game on October 18 is likely to come too soon if Leeds stick to the original recovery schedule, while matches later in October could also be touch-and-go.
The key point is that Leeds should not expect Rodon back simply because he reaches the eight-week mark. If he follows the longer end of the recovery estimate, he could return in early November.
That means the final week of October could become something of a waiting game for Leeds supporters.
Read More: 2 Leeds players fighting to avoid January exits
Farke has options at the back
Rodon’s absence has already forced Farke to look at his other centre-back options.
Tarik Muharemovic has been a regular in the back three, while Nico Elvedi and Jaka Bijol have also been competing for places.
Bijol could be particularly important over the next few weeks. The Slovenia international enjoyed an impressive international break and has given Farke another strong option at a time when Rodon’s absence has reduced his choices.
The good news is that Leeds do not need to rush Rodon. Farke has enough cover to get through this period, even if Rodon’s experience will undoubtedly be missed.
For now, Arsenal is definitely off the agenda. After that, it becomes a question of how quickly Rodon responds to his rehabilitation.
If everything goes to plan, late October is the earliest realistic return window, while early November remains a possibility if Leeds take the cautious route.
Either way, the priority will be getting Rodon back properly rather than getting him back quickly.
