(Credit: Imago)

Daniel Farke 'concerned' for Leeds player after 1-1 draw v Villarreal

Niall is a lifelong Leeds United supporter who began reporting on MOT Leeds News in July 2025 after initially joining Breaking Media a month earlier. He graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a first class degree in Sports Journalism in 2024 and has covered Leeds for multiple other websites. After attending Elland Road for the first time as a youngster with United in League One, Niall hopes to see Leeds reclaim their spot in the Champions League and get back to competing for the Premier League.

Published on:

02 Aug 2025, 2:02 pm

Leeds United drew 1-1 with La Liga outfit Villarreal in their pre-season clash at Elland Road.

Joel Piroe managed to get his name on the scoresheet again to rescue a draw after the Whites initially went a goal down.

With Villarreal participating in the Champions League next season, the draw leaves plenty of reasons for United supporters to be feeling positive after leaving Elland Road.

However, injury news regarding one of Leeds' key players is something that will leave fans anxious, with the Premier League opener against Everton rapidly approaching.

Leeds striker Joel Piroe gives a thumbs up

Piroe scored again for Leeds in pre-season (Credit: Imago)

Farke shares update on Bogle injury

Leeds United's lack of depth at full-back has already been a major talking point over the summer, and it is a subject that may come to life yet again.

Speaking after the game on Saturday (2 August), Leeds boss Daniel Farke confirmed that Jayden Bogle has sustained an injury to his hip flexor and that is why he was not involved in the game against Villarreal.

The German manager said he is "a bit concerned" and is unsure whether the right-back will be available for Leeds' clash against AC Milan in Dublin in a week (9 August).

With the defender set to miss more training, United must remain in the market for defensive reinforcements, according to Farke, who cannot afford to be left short on numbers in the Premier League.

With rumours surrounding a potential loan exit for Isaac Schmidt, the 49ers will be keen to add more quality depth for Farke to deploy in defence.

Leeds' current full-back options:

Jayden Bogle (right-back)
Gabriel Gudmundsson (left-back)
Sam Byram (both sides)
Isaac Schmidt (both sides)

Isaac Schmidt in action for Leeds United

Schmidt featured for Leeds against Villarreal (Credit: Imago)

New role for Bogle next season?

The Englishman was superb in the Whites' Championship-winning campaign last term, notching six goals and four assists in the league.

Bogle formed an impressive partnership with Junior Firpo, with the full-backs being a pivotal part of Farke's system.

Bogle will have to be more defensively assured next season and will likely spend far less time in the opposition's final third in the Premier League.

For Farke to give Leeds the best chance of staying up, he must adapt tactically, and that includes changing Bogle's role within the team.

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Daniel Farke

Jayden Bogle