Leeds United have 14 players on international duty this week as the Premier League takes its final international break before the New Year. The break will see European countries wrap up their World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Leeds are not in a good position entering this break, they missed a huge chance to get points on the board against Brighton and Nottingham Forest. This looks especially damaging considering their schedule for the next month. Daniel Farke’s poor tactics cost the Whites against Forest, despite his team scoring first. It is understood that the next few games will determine if Farke stays in charge for the near future.
He has a lot to do if Leeds are able to get a few points in the upcoming run, with their next opponents being Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool. If he does fail to make it to December, Marco Silva has been linked with the job at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke set to miss key player
Farke would be hoping that none of his first team stars pick up injuries during this international break. The last window saw him lose Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto, who were both at Thorp Arch, for a few weeks.
| Player | Games Played | Starts |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Rodon | 11 | 11 |
| Jayden Bogle | 11 | 11 |
| Gabriel Gudmundsson | 11 | 11 |
Left back Gabriel Gudmundsson has missed training with the Sweden squad this Thursday. It has been confirmed by the team’s press officer that the defender picked up a concussion and has been left out of training as a precaution. Gudmundsson could be seen on the sidelines during the session, signing autographs. It is currently unclear if the defender will be cleared to play Switzerland on Saturday.
Leeds United cannot lose Gabriel Gudmundsson for upcoming schedule
The Swedish international has been one of the better summer signings the club made. He has been a solid performer this season, and has slotted in to the left-back position. Everyone feared that Junior Firpo would not be replaced properly, but Gudmundsson has been a pleasant surprise for Leeds fans and has played in every Premier League game to date.
| Statistic | Rank |
|---|---|
| Interceptions | 2nd |
| Tackles Won | 3rd |
| Blocks | 3rd |
| Clearances | 3rd |
Farke must hope that the defender is fit in time to face Aston Villa next week. Aside his potential absence being a huge blow, there are no natural left-back options to fill in for him. James Justin was signed for big money this summer to be a back-up, but he has been limited to cameos off the bench this season. And in a crucial point of the season, the club cannot risk playing the former Leicester City man who lacks the pace and power of Gudmundsson. Justin does not fit into this Leeds system and looks a solid option off the bench when defending a lead, but going forward he is not better than the Swede.
Leeds will need the full compliment of their squad for this upcoming run of games. They need to start picking up points from now till January if they want to stand a chance at survival this year. Gudmundsson will hopefully return to Thorpe Arch fully fit next week, if he doesn’t then Daniel Farke has a big hole to fill ahead of this defining run of games.
