Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka next to manager Daniel Farke in a split image
Credit: Imago
Rahul Lakhani
Wed 27 August 2025 14:40, UK
Leeds United are now facing a tough situation as star midfielder Ao Tanaka has picked up an injury, giving Daniel Farke a headache.
Tanaka was outstanding in Leeds’ victory over Everton, but the Whites have struggled since as they were thrashed by Arsenal and knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Sheffield Wednesday.
The midfielder was one of Leeds’ best players last season, and Tanaka has quickly shown that he is capable of playing at a very high level.
Tanaka was withdrawn against Arsenal and missed the trip to Sheffield Wednesday, and Farke has now provided a fresh injury update.
Credit: Imago
Daniel Farke reveals Ao Tanaka injury details
Speaking after Leeds’ penalty shootout defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, Farke revealed Tanaka had suffered a sprain to a medial collateral ligament (MCL) and will miss several games.
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“MCL injury, he will also be out for a few weeks,” Farke stated.
“It’s difficult at the moment to say exactly when he can return but also definitely not before the international break so it’s quite a similar injury to Ethan Ampadu’s.”
Ethan Ampadu is also out injured after coming off against Everton, meaning that two of Leeds’ main midfield trio are now missing.
Tanaka has made 47 appearances for Leeds, scoring five goals, and is a vital player for Farke.
Every point is important for Leeds, and they will now face an even bigger challenge to cope with some of their fixtures without two of their most important players.
Daniel Farke lookinLeeds United
Credit: Imago
What games Ao Tanaka will miss for Leeds
Tanaka will definitely miss Leeds’ clash with Newcastle United at Elland Road, which takes place just before the international break.
The break is a very well-timed one, as it will swallow up some of Tanaka’s recovery time, but the severity of the injury will determine his comeback.
Leeds will then face Fulham, Wolves and Bournemouth in the rest of September, and while Tanaka could be back to face the latter two, the Fulham game on September 13 could be touch and go.
Summer signing Sean Longstaff will have to step up in Tanaka’s absence, and he will hope to establish himself as a starter while the Japan star is out.
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