The September break is about to get underway, with Joe Rodon already ruled out and joining Leeds United duo Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka, who will also miss out on representing their countries.
Rodon is expected to be fit to play against Fulham after the break. But Rodon has not travelled with the Wales squad to Kazakhstan as he has to undergo concussion protocol after a knock against Newcastle.
However, there is another injury concern for Leeds and Daniel Farke ahead of the September fixtures, and it involves left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson. Gudmundsson came off early against Newcastle on Saturday.
Sweden are in action against Slovenia on Friday and then Kosovo on Monday. A quick turnaround that will test the fitness of the Sweden players, with Gudmundsson set to play alongside Alexander Isak.
Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty ImagesJon Dahl Tomasson update on Leeds star Gabriel Gudmundsson
With Rodon unable to play and both Ampadu and Tanaka fighting to be fit for the return to Premier League action on September 13, Farke will have much preferred for Gudmundsson to stay in Yorkshire.
Speaking to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Tomasson was asked about Gudmundsson and his fitness ahead of the two World Cup qualifiers. He said: “He says he’s flying, I hope he is. He’s okay, he assures.”
Certainly, it seems Gudmundsson has shaken off the knock he picked up against Newcastle and he can continue his excellent start to the season. Of the Leeds signings, Gudmundsson has been the best so far.
Photo by Pat Scaasi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesJames Justin threat means Gabriel Gudmundsson must stay fit
Leeds’ activity in the transfer window has garnered criticism. Jeff Stelling says only one Leeds signing is “good” and that nothing excites him, while Micah Richards believes “something is missing” from the side.
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But what Leeds have done, is bolster their defence. For the first time in years at Elland Road, Leeds have real competition at full-back where beforehand, it was simply two starting options and then back-up.
Last season, Sam Byram and Isaac Schmidt were never going to overtake Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo. Now, James Justin has arrived and provides competition. Gudmundsson must stay fit to retain his place.