Leeds' Rodon out for up to 10 weeks with hamstring injury

Leeds United defender Joe Rodon Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Rodon was replaced by Nico Elvedi when he went off against Brentford

ByMandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport journalist
  • Published

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke says centre-back Joe Rodon will be out for between eight and 10 weeks with a "serious hamstring injury".

The Wales international, 28, was forced to come off after 34 minutes in his side's 1-1 Premier League draw against Brentford last Sunday.

Rodon had played in the season-opening league win at Nottingham Forest and a Carabao Cup success against the same opposition.

"Bad news, serious hamstring injury," said Farke, whose side travel to Brighton on Saturday (15:00 BST).

"He will be out for eight to 10 weeks. Definitely not playing before the next international break.

"A big blow for us because he's a key player. Puts more pressure on us to get a wing-back - we may need James Justin at centre-back.

"[It is] important Joe comes back as quick as possible. Need a bit of luck, but we also have the January window to react if necessary."

Leeds signed French defender Melvin Bard on deadline day to add to their left-back options, where the versatile Justin has been covering too for Sweden international Gabriel Gudmundsson, who picked up a hamstring injury in pre-season.

Rodon's absence will also be a setback for Wales, who face Portugal on 24 September and Denmark on 27 September in away Uefa Nations League Group 4 matches during the next international break.

They also host Norway and Denmark in home Nations League games at the start of October.