Latest Leeds United injury news and return dates ahead of Liverpool as Joe Rodon joins Daniel James and Sean Longstaff on the sidelines
Jim Quinlan Sport Trends Writer
20:43, 28 Dec 2025
Joe Rodon (L) reacts after being hurt in a challenge
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Leeds United defender Joe Rodon was injured in their match at Sunderland(Image: ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images)
The festive period continued to take a toll on Leeds United as Joe Rodon was forced off early during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Sunderland.
The defender was injured in a heavy challenge at the Stadium of Light, attempted to continue, but was eventually unable without unbearable pain. He was replaced by Ao Tanaka and Leeds were forced to salvage a point without the Welshman.
Rodon has not missed any of the Whites' last 104 matches, therefore Daniel Farke faces the difficult prospect of naming a changed defence in the club's upcoming fixtures - which are coming thick and fast, and now in multiple competitions.
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Up next is a visit to Anfield to face Liverpool on New Year's Day. Earlier in December, Farke's men managed a stunning 3-3 draw against the Reds at Elland Road, though Arne Slot's side have since rallied to win their last four in all competitions.
Three days later, Leeds host old rivals Manchester United, and once more three days beyond that is another away trip, this time to Newcastle United. It is not until January 11, 2026, when they go to Derby County in the FA Cup that the fixture pile-up relents.
Unfortunately, Farke believes Rodon is a near certain absentee for the three upcoming Premier League fixtures.
Speaking after full-time at Sunderland, he explained: "Not good. Joe is my warrior. Has played so many games in a row, and of course, he wanted to stay on the pitch, but he got a hit on his ankle, and by doing this, I think he also rolled his ankle.
"It's pretty swollen at the moment, I doubt that he will be available for Liverpool, and also for the upcoming games before the FA Cup game. So we have to wait for some further assessment. But right now, straight after the game, it doesn't look too good."
The 28-year-old joins Daniel James and Sean Longstaff as Leeds' pre-existing injury-impacted stars.
The former has been missing since November 29 loss to Manchester City, when he damaged his hamstring.
The latter has not played since the November 23 defeat to Aston Villa, the game he sustained a calf injury.
Ahead of Sunderland, Farke ruled both out indefinitely and Liverpool looks to have come too soon too. It remains to be seen how long their recoveries take once 2026 begins.
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