Leeds United face a difficult challenge away at Brighton on Saturday afternoon as Georginio Rutter faces his old side for the first time. Daniel Farke could make two changes to his side.
James Milner is a doubt to face Leeds, while Brighton could be without six others. Three are definitely absent, with Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, and Adam Webster all currently out with long-term injuries.
Kaoru Mitoma, Joel Veltman, and Brajan Gruda are doubts alongside Milner. But it will see Rutter face Leeds for the first time since he jumped ship and completed a £40m move to Brighton back in 2024.
For Leeds, there are a couple of question marks too, following the 2-1 win over West Ham at Elland Road. Brighton is a notoriously difficult place to go for Leeds, and Farke will want to field the best side possible.
Gabriel Gudmundsson lies on his back in pain.
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Leeds United’s injury concerns ahead of Brighton clash
Leeds fans will know more following boss Farke’s press conference later this week. But for now, the main doubts surround Willy Gnonto and Gabriel Gudmundsson. The latter went off in the first half last Friday.
It looked like an impact injury for Gudmundsson, falling on the studs of Jaka Bijol. Whether it will keep him out against Brighton remains to be seen. Gnonto didn’t complete team training ahead of West Ham.
It comes after a lengthy calf issue, and then minor hernia surgery. Gnonto is expected to be back in team training this week, while it is unclear if illness spreading through the camp has affected any others.
Noah Okafor completed 45 minutes, as well as 13 minutes of injury time, against West Ham and will be ready to go longer against Brighton. Dan James made a second appearance since his ankle issue, too.
Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach
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Predicted Leeds United side to face Brighton on Saturday
Nine of the 11 pick themselves. Lucas Perri, Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff, Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor will start, as long as they are fit.
The two areas up for debate are at left-back and whether Farke reverts to Anton Stach or retains Ao Tanaka in midfield. Tanaka came in against West Ham, with Stach struggling with rib and finger injuries.
Tanaka didn’t enjoy the best of games. Farke will want his side as solid as possible away from home at Brighton and with concerns regarding Tanaka’s physicality, a rested Stach may come back into the XI.
It is unclear if Gudmundsson will be fit, but James Justin’s display was impressive and Farke may be tempted to start with the £10m signing from Leicester, if Gudmundsson is not 100% ready to play.
Leeds XI to face Brighton: Lucas Perri; Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, James Justin; Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach; Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor.