Graham Smyth reacts to rumours Joe Rodon was hospitalised after Leeds United v Portsmouth
Leeds United defender Joe Rodon was not taken to hospital after his side’s draw with Portsmouth despite reports, according to Graham Smyth.
The Yorkshire Evening Post reporter took to X (10 August) to reply to a question regarding rumours that Rodon was “rushed to hospital” following the 3-3 draw at Elland Road, saying the reports were not true.
Such rumours had circulated on social media after an X user also posted on 10 August to say that Rodon was “a concern” and didn’t look fully fit in United’s first match of the new season.
Addressing the rumours, Smyth stated that Rodon was “fine” in the aftermath of a frustrating result for the Whites, with the Welshman seen dropping to the ground in disbelief after Brenden Aaronson’s last-gasp miss.
Joe Rodon clarity is good news for Leeds United fans
Losing their £10million centre-back for any period of time – particularly following something as serious as a possible hospitalisation – would have been the worst possible news to come out of Elland Road.
Rodon and his fellow defenders were hardly in good form against Portsmouth as United shipped three avoidable goals and had to come back from behind twice, but he’s still a key player in the side.
Securing Rodon on a permanent transfer has arguably been the club’s high point of the summer so far, particularly he returned to LS11 as part of the £40m deal which took Archie Gray to Tottenham [Smyth, 1 July].
The news that Rodon was in fact fine after his side’s draw on 10 August will be a close comfort for Whites fans, as his absence would likely see new captain Ethan Ampadu drop from midfield into defence.
Avoiding that, the returning Maximilian Wober may be Farke’s go-to option alongside Pascal Struijk, and although he’s said he’s committed to the cause this season, fans may not be so keen to accept that.
In other Leeds news, the Whites are reportedly still in the race to sign an in-demand Premier League winger on loan.
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