Leeds United’s 16 international players will slowly start to return to Thorp Arch this week ahead of Saturday’s clash against Swansea, with one already eyeing a possible summer exit.
Wilfried Gnonto has returned to Elland Road after picking up an ankle injury while on international duty with Italy’s U21 side. He came off at half-time last week and is missing the 21’s game against Slovakia.
Ilia Gruev is also on his way back having already played both games for Bulgaria, losing both games to Ireland in their Nations League matches. Monday will see a handful more play for their countries.
Isaac Schmidt made his debut for Switzerland last week after a shock call-up to Murat Yakin’s squad. He impressed during a 1-1 draw against Northern Ireland and could face Luxembourg on Tuesday night.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Isaac Schmidt opens door to possible Leeds United exit in summer
Bought by Leeds for £4.6m, Schmidt is yet to start a single league game – coming on as a sub in just seven of 38 Championship games. The versatile full-back has started both FA Cup games for The Whites.
Quoted by SRF, full-back Schmidt said that he is “inevitably” considering what is next after such a lack of minutes this season. But, he is also understanding why he hasn’t played and is hoping that changes.
“After a year in which I barely played, I’m inevitably wondering what’s next. But I also have to consider the circumstances,” Schmidt said, when discussing his future at Elland Road in the coming weeks and months.
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
The World Cup in 2026 could make up Isaac Schmidt’s mind
So, Schmidt has impressed for Switzerland and is now firmly in Yakin’s thinking with 15 months to go until the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He will be keen to establish his place stronger.
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Reports in Switzerland suggest Schmidt needs game time to win a ticket to the 2026 World Cup and he will have to leave Leeds in order to do that. Certainly this summer, there will be interest in the defender.
But, Schmidt has been told by Leeds they see a plan for him. He will need that plan to come to fruition as soon as possible, even though promotion to the Premier League will surely see his game time reduce.