Leeds United feared they could be without another important player for a significant period after an injury scare during their victory over Tottenham.
The defender was forced off at half-time at Elland Road, leaving Daniel Farke waiting for news on his fitness ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
With the international break offering an opportunity to recover, there was understandable concern about whether he would be available when the Premier League campaign resumes.
However, the latest update from his international manager has provided Leeds with a significant reason to be optimistic.
Read More: Leeds suffer huge injury blow ahead of international break
Gudmundsson receives positive injury update after scan
Gabriel Gudmundsson is expected to return to training with Sweden this week after receiving encouraging news from a scan on his hamstring.
The Leeds left-back was withdrawn at half-time during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham after experiencing discomfort in the area. Melvin Bard replaced him for the second half, with Farke subsequently admitting that Gudmundsson had been unable to continue.
Sweden manager Graham Potter has now offered a positive update on the defender’s condition.
“He’s okay”, Potter said.
“The [scan] went well, but we need to see him and go through a couple of days of recovery to make sure he’s okay. He will probably be on the pitch with the boys on Wednesday or Thursday. It’s no problem.”
Potter also indicated that Gudmundsson could be available for Sweden’s upcoming Nations League fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday.
Farke handed timely boost ahead of Chelsea fixture
The update will come as a major relief to Farke, who had initially been concerned about the severity of the injury.
After the Tottenham game, the Leeds manager said: “Gaby had problems with his hamstring, so it was not possible for him to keep going.”
Farke added that he hoped to have the Swedish international back after the break, although he was unwilling to take any unnecessary risks.
Gudmundsson has been an important figure for Leeds since arriving at Elland Road, starting eight of their first 10 Premier League matches this season. His availability will therefore be valuable when Farke’s side travel to Chelsea on November 21.
There is also encouraging competition for his position. Bard produced an impressive second-half performance against Tottenham, giving Leeds a reliable alternative should Gudmundsson need more time to recover.
For now, though, the initial fears surrounding the Swedish defender appear to have eased considerably. A successful return to training this week would put him in a much better position to feature when Leeds resume their Premier League campaign.
