Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Tue 28 April 2026 6:40, UK

Gabriel Gudmundsson’s injury is a big blow for Leeds United, particularly as they struggle to manage without him.

Leeds’ hopes of reaching their first FA Cup final since 1973 were dashed as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday.

Enzo Fernandez’s first-half header proved to be the difference-maker as Leeds failed to score at Wembley for the fourth game in a row.

To make matters worse, left-back Gudmundsson could barely walk towards the end of the game, but as Daniel Farke had used all his substitutes, the Swede had to stay on.

Gudmundsson’s injury is a huge blow for Leeds, as the 26-year-old has arguably been their best signing this season. And when he is unavailable, his absent is keenly felt.

James Justin needed elsewhere again

After the Chelsea loss, Farke insisted it wasn’t great news for Gudmundsson, who has a hamstring issue.

That could rule him out for the rest of the season, at a time when Leeds may still need to pick up another win or so to secure their Premier League status.

Gudmundsson did not have his best game against Chelsea as he struggled with the pacey Pedro Neto. Plus, he wasn’t able to bomb forward with as much success as he has done for much of the season.

But having a left-sided player in his role has been such an asset for Leeds, and while James Justin has done admirably as a left wing-back, it is not a natural position for him.

The 28-year-old will tend to cut back inside on his right foot and look for support, rather than going to the byline and whipping in a ball with his left.

If Noah Okafor needs an overlapping runner on the left, Gudmundsson provides that. Justin, who was hooked at halftime against Chelsea, may not.

While he did score as a left wing-back against Everton in January, Leeds have not won a game when Justin has started on the left side of defence this season.

For instance, they have drawn with Newcastle United, Brentford (twice), Everton and lost to Manchester City.

Ahead of facing Burnley, Leeds need to find a way to offer something down their left flank.

Gabriel Gudmundsson’s stellar season

Aside from Gudmundsson’s fresh injury blow, the Swede has made a great impact at Leeds to date.

In the Premier League, he has made 32 appearances, 31 of which have been starts.

The former Lille man has kept three clean sheets, averages two tackles, 2.6 clearances, and 3.5 ball recoveries per game.

Gudmundsson also averages 5.6 total duels won per match, with a win percentage of 57, and he has created four big chances.

While the next step is to consistently add goals and assists to his game, the Sweden international has been a credit to Leeds this term.

They will hope he is not sorely missed.