Leeds United have enjoyed three weeks to prepare for their biggest test of the season so far, but Daniel Farke has not exactly been handed a clean bill of health ahead of Saturday’s trip to Arsenal.
The Whites remain unbeaten after five Premier League games and head to the Emirates with plenty of confidence. The international break, however, has brought fresh concerns, with Farke now having to juggle injuries alongside his team selection.
Three players can already be ruled out, while two more remain genuine doubts.
And one particularly interesting decision awaits Farke in defence.
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Three Leeds players are definitely out
Joe Rodon remains the biggest absence. The Wales international suffered a hamstring injury against Brentford and was ruled out for eight to 10 weeks, making an early return to Arsenal impossible. His absence leaves Farke with one fewer experienced option in a back three.
Mateo Joseph is also unavailable. The forward remains sidelined with his knee injury and is not expected back until the new year.
The third concern is Jean-Matteo Bahoya, who picked up an ankle problem while away with France Under-21s. The winger had scored his first goal for the side during the international break before being forced off, and further assessment is needed before his availability can be determined.
That leaves Harry Wilson as the other major fitness question.
Wilson missed the draw with Crystal Palace before the break because of a muscle problem and subsequently withdrew from the Wales squad. There had been hope that the extended break could give him enough time to recover, but he remains a doubt for Arsenal.
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Farke has one big decision to make
The uncertainty over Wilson could have a knock-on effect in attack, but the more intriguing call may come at the other end of the pitch.
Rodon’s absence has already forced Farke to rethink his defensive options, with Nico Elvedi and Tarik Muharemovic having formed part of a back three alongside the injured Wales international.
Jaka Bijol, however, has given his manager something to think about.
The Slovenia international impressed during the break and has the physicality and Premier League experience that could make him particularly useful against Arsenal. If Kai Havertz is unavailable, Viktor Gyokeres is likely to lead the line for the hosts, and that could strengthen the case for Bijol’s inclusion.
It would be harsh on Elvedi, who has done little wrong since arriving at Elland Road. But managers have to make these decisions before the biggest games.
Leeds have made an unbeaten start, while Arsenal are also dealing with a lengthy injury list, including William Saliba and Christos Tzolis, with several others carrying doubts.
Farke will therefore be hoping Wilson and Bahoya can give him good news before Saturday. But even if they do, the Arsenal trip will almost certainly leave him with at least one difficult selection call.
