Leeds United: Joe Rodon picks up new injury in win v Middlesbrough
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has confirmed that defender Joe Rodon suffered a calf injury in their 4-3 Championship win over Middlesbrough.
BBC Radio Leeds commentator Adam Pope confirmed on X that Rodon and Daniel James had picked up injuries at the Riverside, albeit more serious for the winger.
Rodon played the full 90 minutes at centre-back for Leeds as they came from behind to win 4-3, while James replaced third goal-scorer Wilfried Gnonto in the 81st minute.
Pope posted on X directly from his post-match interview with the Whites boss: “Daniel Farke says Joe Rodon (calf) ok, but Dan James (core muscle) is not looking good at this stage.”
Joe Rodon injury news reassuring for Leeds United
Leeds United have just two games left of the current Championship season, and even after shipping three avoidable goals against Middlesbrough on April 22, still have the best defence (and goal difference) in the division, conceding just 37 goals and scoring 80 at the other end.
On-loan Tottenham defender Rodon has made 39 league starts, excelling alongside Welsh international team-mate Ethan Ampadu since the start of 2024, and Dutch centre-half Pascal Struijk or club captain Liam Cooper earlier in the season.
Leeds’ promotion bid, which sees them sat in second place behind Leicester City after the Middlesbrough win, has been built upon the rock-solid foundations laid by Rodon and co in defence, and the centre-back is someone the club hopes to sign permanently if they do make it back to the Premier League.
Unlike with Ben White in 2020 though, Leeds will hope that making Rodon a permanent member of their squad is well within their reach, and if the Welshman can shake off this calf injury, he’s going to be a key cog in the final two games as the Whites bid to make an immediate top-flight return.
In other Leeds United news, Patrick Bamford has come in for criticism following a “nasty” incident in the win over Middlesbrough.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.