Leeds United defender Sebastiaan Bornauw looks on.
(Credit: Imago)
Pranav Shahaney
Sun 24 August 2025 20:10, UK
Leeds United signed Sebastiaan Bornauw in the summer, but he has not yet made his first-team debut.
Daniel Farke has named Bornauw on the bench for both of the Whites’ opening Premier League fixtures.
The Whites beat Everton in the first gameweek, but Leeds were thrashed 5-0 by Arsenal on Saturday.
In both games, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk were preferred to Bornauw.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke waving at fans
Farke will want to avoid relegation. (Credit: Imago)
This piece includes exclusive opinion from injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and a Sports Scientist.
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Sebastiaan Bornauw not at 100% ahead of Sheffield Wednesday clash
After a mixed start to the season, Leeds United take on Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
According to Dr Rajpal Brar, Bornauw is not yet at 100 per cent fitness as he hasn’t played senior football post his injury.
However, he believes he’s heading in the right direction and the Whites can use cup games along with reserve matches to get him to full fitness.
Sebastiaan Bornauw Bundesliga stats (2024/25 season)
Matches played 15
Started 8
Minutes per game 53
Goals 2
Injuries hampered Bornauw’s last campaign.
Dr Brar told MOT Leeds News: “He has been on the bench and been an unused substitute for the last two games.
“It’s unlikely that he’s at 100 per cent because that requires match minutes.
“It’s a good sign, however, that he is getting closer after his injury and the club could use the cup and Under-23 games as a way to get him back up to speed.”
Joe Rodon in Leeds United action
Rodon has been a mainstay in defence. (Credit: Imago)
Daniel Farke must hand Sebastiaan Bornauw his Leeds United debut
Farke must start Bornauw against Sheffield Wednesday to kickstart his integration into Leeds United.
The Belgian defender, a new signing, needs his debut to build confidence and adapt to the physicality and pace of the English game.
Starting him in this Carabao Cup clash offers a chance to gain crucial match fitness, essential for his long-term role in the squad.
Bornauw’s aerial presence and defensive nous could bolster Leeds’ backline, but he must acclimate quickly to Farke’s system.
A debut against a competitive but manageable opponent like Sheffield Wednesday is ideal for testing his readiness and ensuring he’s prepared for tougher challenges ahead.
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