Daniel Farke shares new Gabriel Gudmundsson injury update after Leeds United draw vs Everton
Leeds United are being made to sweat over the fitness of defender Gabriel Gudmundsson.
Gudmundsson swapped Lille for Leeds last summer, and since then, he has proven to be an excellent acquisition.
Not only has he been a consistent positive for Daniel Farke’s side this season, Gudmundsson could be key in convincing Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen to join Leeds.
However, the left-back missed Leeds’ 1-1 draw at Everton on Monday through injury, with James Justin deputising for the Swede.
Now, Farke has issued an injury update on Gudmundsson following the point at Hill Dickinson Stadium, a result that saw Leeds go six points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
Farke downplays fears over Gudmundsson’s Leeds injury
Leeds fans would have been concerned that Gudmundsson was not in Farke’s matchday squad for the game against Everton.
But their fears may have been allayed by the performances of their wing-backs, with Jamie Carragher lauding Leeds duo Justin and Jayden Bogle.
Although Justin scored and impressed again in Leeds’ backline, if another one of their defenders were to get injured, they would be caught short in that area of the pitch.
Leeds centre-back Jaka Bijol is out injured, and with Gudmundsson joining him on the sidelines, it is squeaky bum time for the Whites.
Although the recent form of fringe player Sebastiaan Bornauw is encouraging.
However, it seems the 26-year-old won’t be out for too long. Following the Everton match, Farke said Gudmundsson will be out for no more than two games.
He told reporters after the match, via Leeds Live: “He has a little strain with his adductor. We hope to have him back as quickly as possible.
“The Initial checks were three to four weeks, but we hope to have him back in one or two games, but not more. Justin was excellent today.”
That may prevent Leeds from signing another defender this month, but another setback would surely cause a rethink for the 49ers Enterprises.
Do Leeds need to make more January signings?
Other than signing Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte on loan, Leeds have had a quiet winter transfer window.
Farke has long been searching for a number 10, and with the Argentine’s arrival, that itch has been scratched for the time being.
Leeds fans will argue they need another striker, hence the pursuit of Strand Larsen, and more defensive cover.
But, if Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues with his form this season, where he has scored nine times, Leeds may be able to stay up with the former Everton man and Lukas Nmecha fronting their attack.
However, both have concerning injury records in recent years, and although Leeds’ medical team have done a good job with the pair, one freak incident could leave fans asking why the club didn’t sign another forward in January.
If they recruit Strand Larsen, though, they have that insurance in attack and potentially a quality addition, too. Whether they meet Wolves’ £40 million asking price is another matter, mind.
Hopefully, a quick return for Gudmundsson will put another transfer on the back burner, for now.
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