**Leeds United will be without key defender Joe Rodon when they face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.**
Daniel Farke has confirmed Rodon faces **eight to ten weeks on the sidelines** after suffering a hamstring injury against Brentford, ruling him out of the third-round meeting with Xabi Alonso’s side.
Chelsea host Leeds at 8pm on Wednesday as the Blues look to respond to Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at Arsenal.
Rodon is the biggest confirmed absentee for Leeds.
The Wales international was forced off during the 1-1 draw with Brentford and subsequent assessment revealed a significant hamstring injury.
Farke described the news as a “big blow” and confirmed Rodon will definitely miss the period before the next international break, with his absence potentially extending beyond it.
The Leeds boss also explained that Rodon’s injury could force **James Justin into more central defensive duties**, despite the summer signing also being capable of operating at wing-back.
[Read Daniel Farke’s full Joe Rodon injury update](https://www.leedsunited.com/en/news/daniel-farke-provides-fitness-update-ahead-of-brighton-clash-a?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Rodon’s absence had an immediate impact against Brighton on Saturday.
Swiss defender **Nico Elvedi was handed his full Premier League debut** as Farke made three changes to his starting XI.
Elvedi joined James Justin and Tarik Muharemović in the Leeds defence as the Whites drew 1-1 at the Amex Stadium.
That combination could again feature at Stamford Bridge, although the quick turnaround and cup setting gives Farke scope to rotate.
Chelsea are also expected to make changes.
ReadChelsea’s **Chelsea predicted XI vs Leeds** backs several players who did not start at Arsenal to come into Alonso’s team, while Estêvão Willian has already strengthened his case for another Carabao Cup start.
Midfielder Ilia Gruev is also working his way back after a long-term knee injury.
Farke confirmed towards the end of August that Gruev had returned to full team training following his meniscus problem and was gradually moving closer to selection.
However, the Bulgaria international was **not included in Leeds’ squad against Brighton** on Saturday.
That makes his availability another issue to watch when Farke provides his next update before Wednesday’s game.
Leeds will still travel to west London in good form.
They are unbeaten in their opening four competitive fixtures of the season and reached the Carabao Cup third round by beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 away from home.
But facing Chelsea without Rodon removes one of Farke’s established defensive leaders from an already demanding cup tie.