Joe Rodon out 8-10 weeks with serious hamstring injury

Leeds have been dealt a blow at the back: centre-back Joe Rodon will be out for eight to 10 weeks after picking up a serious hamstring injury, according to Leeds manager Daniel Farke, as reported by BBC Sport.

Rodon was forced off after 34 minutes in his side’s 1-1 Premier League draw against Brentford last Sunday. Before that, he featured in the season-opening league win at Nottingham Forest and also played in a Carabao Cup tie against the same opposition.

Big setback for Leeds

Farke was blunt about the timeframe. “Bad news, serious hamstring injury”, he said, adding that Rodon will not be available before the next international break. The manager described it as a major loss because the defender is a key player, and explained it increases the need for tactical adjustments in the defensive setup.

He suggested that Leeds may have to rethink roles, even mentioning the possibility of James Justin covering at centre-back, while also stressing that getting Rodon back as quickly as possible matters most. BBC Sport also notes that there is a January window to react if necessary.

Coverage and international impact

On the squad side, Leeds signed French defender Melvin Bard on deadline day to add options at left-back. BBC Sport adds that Justin has been covering there too, with Sweden international Gabriel Gudmundsson having suffered a hamstring issue in pre-season.

Rodon’s absence will also hurt Wales, who face Portugal on 24 September and Denmark on 27 September in away UEFA Nations League matches during the next international break. Leeds will meanwhile travel to Brighton on Saturday.