Leeds United: Ao Tanaka one of four who could miss pre-season tour of USA
Ao Tanaka is the headline name who could miss the start of Leeds United's pre-season preparations.
The Whites get their plans underway with a friendly against Wrexham in Tampa on 25 July.
The Peacocks then face Sunderland on 31 July in New Jersey, and Liverpool in Chicago on 2 August.
They then return to the United Kingdom, to play Red Bull Salzburg on 8 August at Elland Road, before a trip to Croke Park to face Manchester United on 12 August.
Daniel Farke's preparations could be hampered, though, with Tanaka being one of four stars whose participation in doubt.
He will be particularly gutted about Tanaka's potential absence, having described the midfielder as "fantastic" in December 2025.
That could have an impact on the start of their Premier League campaign as they look to consolidate their top-flight position.
Who could miss out on Leeds pre-season tour?
Leeds' World Cup stars are the ones who could miss the clash with the Welshmen, as well as the other matches across the pond.
Brenden Aaronson, Tanaka, Noah Okafor and Gabriel Gudmundsson are all in their respective nation's squads for the tournament.
A report from Leeds Live on Wednesday claims that the Whites squad will return for pre-season on 13 July, but those in World Cup action will return later.
It states that club sources have indicated that FIFA's mandatory 21-day holiday regulations means that the players could miss the tour, if their countries reach the knockout stages.
How have Leeds' stars fared so far?
Leeds players have not had a good start to the tournament so far.
Only Gudmundsson has featured, playing 64 minutes in Sweden's opener against Tunisia.
His side secured a 5-1 win, so look to be in a good position to qualify for the round of 32.
Tanaka's Japan are also in an advantageous position, having drew 2-2 with the Netherlands, although the 27-year-old did not feature.
Okafor stayed on the bench as his Switzerland side drew 1-1 with Qatar, they sit top of their group but it is very open.
Meanwhile, Aaronson was also an unused substitute in the United States' 4-1 win over Paraguay.
That put the host nation in a brilliant position to qualify for the knockout stages as they are top of their group.
Of course, a lot could change with two matches still to play, but all the Leeds stars look like they will be in the latter parts of the competition.