Leeds United have cause to be concerned after the events of their final pre-season game in the US. The Whites beat Liverpool in a thrilling game in Chicago on Sunday.
The game rounded up their training camp in North America ahead of the new season.
Daniel Farke will be pleased with how his team fared, having won two games out of three. Their win over the Reds was an exciting one as they came back from two goals down to win.
But the club will be worried after Gabriel Gudmundsson went off injured in the match.
After 30 minutes in the game, the left back went to the floor with no one having made contact with him. After being assessed by the medics, he went off gingerly, holding the back of his thigh.
Three left backs Leeds United could target after injury news
Gudmundsson spoke to media after the game, mentioning that is was an injury to his thigh.
However, he did say it was not the same one he injured at the end of last season. The left back said that he will undergo tests as the club await results on the extent of the injury.
Leeds United went into last season without a natural left back to provide support to Gabriel Gudmundsson.
James Justin deputized for most of the campaign. And with this news going into the new season, it could be time for the club to strengthen in that area of the pitch going forward.
Let’s take a look at some possible options.
Rico Henry
The Brentford defender played 30 games last season in all competitions. He remains a solid defensive option for the club, and is an important piece to the team since they were promoted.
But at 29 years and with one year left on his contract, a decent offer could pry him away.
Henry can play left back, left center back and wingback; which would give Daniel Farke a lot of tactical flexibility.
Dennis Cirkin
Cirkin’s contract expired this summer, and he is currently a free agent. His place in the Sunderland team was taken over after they made a number of high profile first team signings.
Leeds held interest in the 24-year old when they were in the Championship.
And now a move is feasible, given that he is a free agent. His age and current level show that he can provide solid competition for Gabriel Gudmundsson, and for almost zero cost.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
This would be the most ambitious out of the three targets listed.
Zinchenko comes with a lot of Premier League experience having played with Manchester City, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. He is a free agent this summer and will no doubt have many suitors.
He is comfortable playing at left back and higher up the pitch. If the wages are right, he could be a plausible option for the 49ers.
I go for Archie Brown or Cirkin.