Why Leeds' Gabriel Gudmundsson hit out at referee after being medically forced off pitch for Sweden

Leeds United's Gabriel Gudmundsson was medically removed from the pitch in Sweden's win over Poland on Monday.

The left-wing back is a crucial player for the Whites, who will be hoping that he returns to LS11 unscathed after the international break.

The 27-year-old was benched in his country's 2-1 Nations League win over Romania on Friday, but was handed a start this time against Poland.

Sweden came out on top once again, as Gudmundsson played a part in the 3-1 win over Poland.

Daniel Farke may have decided against watching his player, though, who would be a big loss if he were to get injured.

Gudmundsson was briefly taken off the field for Sweden in the first half, but the bizarre reason why may not worry Leeds so much.

Why Gabriel Gudmundsson isn't happy after contact lens incident

Gudmundsson picked up a contact knee injury for his country while on duty earlier this year.

The Swede is regularly a part of his nation's camps for these international breaks, which always threaten potential fitness issues.

Gudmundsson managed to play the full 90 minutes against Poland, and though he didn't have his best game, things could have been worse.

The Leeds defender was involved in an incident in the first half when one of Poland's players caught him in the eye, which made one of his contact lenses fall out.

He was then medically rushed off the field and down the tunnel to get an emergency contact lens, and has spoken out about the freak incident.

Gudmundsson said, as quoted by Aftonbladet: "I need it and needed to get that extra lens in quickly and put it in. I tried to hurry up as much as I could. It's hard to see otherwise.

"He (the Polish player) threw his hand up in my face. It was a bit uncomfortable. I think he (the referee) lost some clear free kicks to us today."

Gudmundsson was then seen limping off the field at half-time for a separate incident, but admitted that he blocked a shot at the end of the first 45 in "the wrong place".

What Gudmundsson's father has said about Leeds stars' eye issues

Gudmundsson had "major" issues with his vision when playing football as a child before getting contact lenses.

His father, Niklas Gudmundsson, revealed just how bad the defender's vision was without them.

Gudmundsson's father said, as picked up by Aftonbladet: "It was a huge handicap. He had to play with glasses and couldn't see anything if he wasn't wearing them. He was almost blind then."

Thankfully, for Leeds, contact lenses exist.

Melvin Bard has been brought to Elland Road to support Gudmundsson, but the Whites will remain hopeful of their main left-back staying fit throughout the season.