Leeds United are hoping that they will see their squad back up to full numbers again this week ahead of Saturday’s trip to Fulham.
The Whites were without two players against Newcastle United last weekend - Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu - and managed to earn their fourth point of the season. However, while underdogs in that game, Leeds will fancy their chances better against upcoming opponents.
The next six matches are against teams who did not finish inside the top eight last season. After Fulham comes Wolves and Bournemouth before Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley and West Ham United are lined up after the next international break.
When it comes to this month’s pause, Leeds have suffered another injury scare - though the club are assured that it is not a severe setback.
Joe Rodon
It is Rodon who had to withdraw from Wales duty this week with an undisclosed issue. His departure from the camp was announced in the lead up to Wales’ World Cup qualifier win over Kazakhstan.
Leeds Live understands that the issue is not due to rule him out of the trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham next Saturday. Rodon is one of Daniel Farke’s key players and United’s success this season will have a lot to do with the centre-back being available, as he was throughout the whole of last season.
Possible return date: September 13 vs Fulham
Ethan Ampadu
Ampadu sustained his knee issue against Everton on the opening night after being on the end of a crunching tackle. He played on for another 10 minutes but further scans showed he had damaged his ligament.
The captain has a tendency to recover from setbacks quickly and the language used around his setback suggests his issue may not be long term - though only time will confirm this.
He was ruled out until after this international break but that was at the least. Fulham comes three-and-a-half weeks after the win over Everton.
Possible return date: September 13 vs Fulham
Ao Tanaka
The language used around Tanaka’s injury suggests his return might not be as quick. Again, the Japan international played on after suffering the issue against Arsenal. Adrenaline can make a player push through a lot.
There is, of course, always the chance he makes a reappearance against Fulham. At the same time, the club will not want to over-rush him back given his importance to the team and the run of fixtures coming up. Farke will give an update on his progress this week.
Possible return date: September 13 vs Fulham
Noah Okafor
The Swiss is expected to be fine for Fulham given he was able to make the bench against Newcastle. And him not making the Switzerland squad allows him extra rest time.
Okafor came out of the loss to Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup with groin complaints and it was touch-and-go whether he would make the cut for Newcastle. He did, but did not get onto the pitch. But his inclusion suggests the winger will be beach ready for Fulham.
Possible return date: September 13 vs Fulham
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