Ao Tanaka suffered a medial collateral ligament injury during Leeds United’s 5-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday, adding to Daniel Farke’s mounting concerns in midfield.
PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Ao Tanaka of Leeds United celebrates with the Sky Bet Championship trophy after the teams 2-1 victory, which confirmed that the team has won the Sky Bet Championship and promotion to the Premier League following the Sky Bet Championship match between Plymouth Argyle FC and Leeds United FC at Home Park on May 03, 2025 in Plymouth, England. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images
The Japan international went down after a first-half challenge but carried on into the second period before being replaced around the 58th minute when the discomfort became too much.
Post-match, Daniel Farke confirmed the issue was MCL-related, and admitted there are “a few concerns” despite the player’s ability to continue for a spell after the incident.
“The fact he could play on is a positive sign,” Farke noted, though he stressed that scans and further assessment will be required before Leeds can determine the severity of the problem.
Tanaka’s availability for their upcoming fixture against Newcastle remains in doubt.
His setback comes only days after Ethan Ampadu sustained a medial cruciate ligament injury, leaving Leeds vulnerable in the centre of the pitch.
Leeds now await the results of Tanaka’s scans, but with midfield depth already stretched, the manager may be forced into changes ahead of Tuesday’s League Cup tie at Sheffield Wednesday.
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