Joe Rodon injury update ahead of Leeds United v Stoke after cut
Leeds United are confident Joe Rodon will be able to face Stoke City on Boxing Day despite picking up a head cut against Oxford United, Joe Donnohue has said.
The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist reported via X (23 December) that Daniel Farke is “carefully optimistic” Rodon will be fit to travel after suffering a cut to the head at Elland Road on Saturday.
Farke didn’t report any other issues picked up in the wake of the Whites’ 4-0 dismantling of Oxford, as the Peacocks look to draw level on points with Sheffield United at the top of the Championship table.
Donnohue said: “Daniel Farke (is) ‘carefully optimistic’ all players who were available at the weekend will be able to travel to Stoke for Boxing Day.
“Joe Rodon sustained a cut to his head, but should be ready to go again. No injuries reported straight after Oxford game.”
Joe Rodon putting his body on the line again for Leeds United
Seeing Rodon playing bandaged, bloodied and dirty is becoming increasingly common for the United faithful, with the Welsh international willing to throw himself in front of anything which comes his way.
That’s also proven to be the case away from Elland Road too this season, playing on for Wales against Turkey in the last international break despite a nasty clash of heads with team-mate Mark Harris.
Rodon didn’t give Harris and his Oxford side a sniff when they pitched up at Elland Road two days ago, aiding in the Whites racking up a twelfth clean sheet of the season in their most dominant victory yet.
United’s last league loss at Blackburn, however, came with Rodon having played through a pre-existing back injury, and Farke will be cautious not to push the centre-back too hard over the festive period.
Particularly with Pascal Struijk and Max Wober injured, Farke can’t afford to take many chances in the centre-back department, no matter how eager Rodon is to play through the pain wherever, whenever.
In other Leeds news, club sources have responded to reports that Red Bull’s influence at Elland Road could be increasing.
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