Leeds United have just under two weeks until they return to Premier League action at home to Aston Villa on Sunday, November 23. Daniel Farke’s side are just one point above the relegation zone going into the final international break of 2025 following consecutive away defeats at Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
A number of first-team players have now jetted off for international duty but Farke has the best part of a fortnight to work on Leeds’ problems, while those currently out injured have time to build fitness without the demand of a game this weekend. The treatment room at Thorp Arch has been relatively quiet in recent weeks with only two absentees at Forest.
Villa are also looking good in terms of squad fitness but were without some first-team options for their 4-0 thumping of Bournemouth last weekend. Below is the latest injury and team news from both sides as early focus turns to next weekend’s Elland Road meeting.
The right-back is nursing an injury and is yet to feature this season. Recently returned to training, but will need a few weeks to build fitness, given the length of injury.
1. OUT: Andres Garcia
The right-back is nursing an injury and is yet to feature this season. Recently returned to training, but will need a few weeks to build fitness, given the length of injury. Photo: Shaun Botterill
Forced off towards the end of Villa's 2-0 defeat against Liverpool earlier this month. Unai Emery said the defender would be out for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury but the international break could provide a useful break.
2. DOUBT: Tyrone Mings
Forced off towards the end of Villa's 2-0 defeat against Liverpool earlier this month. Unai Emery said the defender would be out for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury but the international break could provide a useful break. | Getty Images
The Belgian midfielder had been out with a calf injury but was deemed fit enough for a 20-minute cameo against Bournemouth last weekend. Has since joined up with his international teammates so should be fit enough to start at Leeds.
3. BACK: Youri Tielemans
The Belgian midfielder had been out with a calf injury but was deemed fit enough for a 20-minute cameo against Bournemouth last weekend. Has since joined up with his international teammates so should be fit enough to start at Leeds. | Getty Images
Bornauw was unavailable for last weekend's trip to Nottingham Forest after picking up a knock to his knee. The Belgian has not been able to make recent matchday squads even when fit, with Pascal Struijk and James Justin covering all defensive areas from the bench.
4. DOUBT: Sebastiaan Bornauw
Bornauw was unavailable for last weekend's trip to Nottingham Forest after picking up a knock to his knee. The Belgian has not been able to make recent matchday squads even when fit, with Pascal Struijk and James Justin covering all defensive areas from the bench. | AFP via Getty Images
Speaking ahead of Sunday's defeat at Forest, Farke said: “A little question mark behind Sebastiaan. He got a hit against his MCL during this week, also missed a training session, so a little question mark behind his availability but all the others are fine and ready to go.”
5. DOUBT: Sebastiaan Bornauw
Speaking ahead of Sunday's defeat at Forest, Farke said: “A little question mark behind Sebastiaan. He got a hit against his MCL during this week, also missed a training session, so a little question mark behind his availability but all the others are fine and ready to go.” | DOUBT: Sebastiaan Bornauw (continued)
Hasn't featured since mid-September, firstly due to a calf problem before hernia surgery more recently. The Italian's absence on Sunday was a surprise, given he'd been training for two full weeks, but Farke hopes the international break will help him build fitness.
6. EXPECTED BACK: Willy Gnonto
Hasn't featured since mid-September, firstly due to a calf problem before hernia surgery more recently. The Italian's absence on Sunday was a surprise, given he'd been training for two full weeks, but Farke hopes the international break will help him build fitness. | Getty Images