Daniel Farke must avoid Joe Rodon mistake in Leeds United v Harrogate
Leeds United are expected to field a much-changed side for their FA Cup third round clash against Harrogate Town, but one player Daniel Farke can’t risk is Joe Rodon.
Having been an ever-present at the back so far this term for the league-leading Whites in the Championship, Saturday’s (11 January) cup tie at Elland Road gives Farke the perfect opportunity to rest Rodon.
The 27-year-old is no stranger to playing through injury, having already had several scares this season for both club and country, but United will be expecting to beat Harrogate comfortably with or without him.
With Ethan Ampadu back fit and capable of dropping back into central defence, as well as the option of academy stars James Debayo or Jeremiah Mullen, Farke picking Rodon would raise a few eyebrows.
Joe Rodon injury v Harrogate would be a disaster for Leeds United
For all that Rodon has shown a willingness to play on through injury – be that with tight legs muscles or a split-open head – an FA Cup tie against League Two opposition gives Farke the chance to rotate.
The German rarely does this between league matches unless absolutely necessary, particularly in defence, but having already seen several defensive injuries this term, Farke will likely keep Rodon on ice.
A possible combination of Ampadu and Debayo at the back may be untried and untested at Elland Road, but were Farke to risk Rodon and lose him to injury, he’d receive pelters from all four sides of the ground.
Pascal Struijk missing United’s last league match with an ankle problem, plus the continued setbacks for Max Wober, further restricts Farke’s centre-back options if Rodon was to be struck down.
There’s no doubt Rodon will insist on playing every minute he can in the white shirt, but the defender’s dogged mentality must take a back seat as Farke establishes the depth of his squad on Saturday.
In other Leeds news, Farke dampened down talk that United would add numbers in a key position after the latest injury news.
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