Wales confirmed that Leeds United defender Joe Rodon has withdrawn from Craig Bellamy’s squad on Wednesday, ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan and a friendly with Canada.
It is very unlike Joe Rodon to ever miss matches, but the Welshman will not be present in Wales’ squad over the next fortnight. He joins Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka in failing to be fit for the September break.
Over Rodon’s two and a bit seasons at Leeds, Rodon could have played 106 games. He missed a total of three in his first season and one in the second, while being rested in the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
So, Rodon has clocked up 101 out of a possible 106 games since he joined Leeds. But now, for the first time since he joined Leeds on loan from Tottenham in 2023, there is concern he may be out injured.
Joe Rodon during Man United vs Leeds United.
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Why Joe Rodon is missing Wales’ next two fixtures this month
Graham Smyth says Rodon is ‘expected’ to be fit to play against Fulham after the international break, which sees Rodon and Leeds take on Harry Wilson after his move to Elland Road failed on deadline day.
But it was unclear why Rodon was sidelined. Now, Wales Online report that Rodon will be missing for the trip to Kazakhstan and the game against Jesse Marsch’s Canada as he is observing concussion protocols.
Basically, Rodon’s injury is only a knock and still has a week and a half to overcome concussion protocols ahead of Leeds’ game against Fulham. Fans can expect Rodon to start at Fulham come September 13.
Daniel Farke during Leeds' clash against Newcastle.
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The three Leeds players who remain in Wales’ squad this break
Dan James has had an indifferent start to his return to the Premier League and he will be looking to get more minutes in his legs, having missed a lot of pre-season, as he continues to get back to his best.
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Then, there is Karl Darlow. The back-up goalkeeper was at fault in his only outing of the season, allowing Sheffield Wednesday to score. It is unclear if he will retain the no.1 spot when Wales face Kazakhstan.
The other Leeds player in the Wales squad is midfielder Charlie Crew, who has rejoined Doncaster Rovers on loan for the 2025-26 season. Crew spent the second half of last season with Doncaster, beforehand.