Journalist reacts as Phil Hay drops Joe Rodon news at Leeds United ahead of Leicester City clash
James Marshment believes Joe Rodon’s availability for Leeds United against Leicester City on Friday “significantly” increases their chances of grabbing a result at the King Power.
The Athletic journalist Phil Hay, shared on The Square Ball Podcast (2 November) that the Welsh international could be out for an extended period if he is rushed back against the Foxes on Friday (3 November) which could lead him to aggravate the hamstring injury suffered against Huddersfield.
Due to the nature of hamstring injuries, The Athletic journalist has suggested Rodon will not be rushed back into the side due to the risk of worsening the injury.
And taking to his personal Twitter account (2 November), TEAMtalk journalist Marshment argued that Rodon has become one of the first names on the teamsheet at Elland Road due to his “old school” nature which could be useful against Enzo Maresca’s high-flying foxes.
He posted: “Hoping Rodon can play Fri night and genuinely believe our chances increase significantly if he’s fit to start. Very quickly become a hugely important member of the side and one of the first names on the team sheet.
“Proper defender, and something a little bit old school about him.”
Long-term thinking
Leeds need to ensure Rodon is fit to play whenever available this season, and if that means resting him for the clash against Leicester on Friday to protect him from a possible extended period out, then that’s what they need to do for his long-term fitness.
While it won’t be ideal to travel to the league leaders without one of their most important players, Leeds will have to accept that the risk of worsening his injury is not worth it, even if he may be the difference between a loss and a win as Marshment points out.
The Tottenham loanee has proven an absolute revelation at the heart of the defence alongside Pascal Struijk but putting his fitness to the test against Leicester could have some damaging repercussions down the line – they could end up losing him for an extended period rather than just the one game should he rightly sit out.
Hamstring injuries are not to be trifled with and it’s important Farke ensures Rodon is 100% before picking him for Friday evening’s clash. If not, he should be nowhere near the XI if that means he could further damage his injury.
It may be that the German recalls Charlie Cresswell or even Liam Cooper for that matter. However, there could be some backlash from the Elland Road faithful at the latter.
In other Leeds United news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a new Summerville update.