Leeds United fans may be lamenting the club’s inability to truly strengthen in the attack, but one of their top targets has just been ruled out until 2026 with hamstring surgery.

The bottom six of the Premier League looks fairly well established right now, and one of the more surprising names in that cohort are Marco Silva’s Fulham.

Silva’s side are level on points with Leeds, but would have found themselves in the relegation zone if not for their incredibly fortunate win over United back in September.

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Rodrigo Muniz ruled out until 2026 with hamstring surgery – massive blow for Fulham

One of Leeds’ top targets throughout the summer, that they never actually got close to signing, was Fulham star striker Rodrigo Muniz.

The Brazilian was subject to a £32million offer from Elland Road, but it wasn’t enough to tempt the West London club into selling, amid reports of a £50million asking price.

(Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley)

However, after scoring on the opening weekend, it’s been a tough campaign for Muniz due to ongoing fitness issues. He hasn’t started a game since late September, and now is due for more time on the sidelines.

Fulham confirmed this week that he is undergoing surgery on a hamstring issue that will rule him out until the new year:

Such an injury time frame could see Muniz back in time to face Leeds at Elland Road, though. United host Silva’s side on Saturday 17th January.

Massive setback for Leeds United’s relegation rivals Fulham with Rodrigo Muniz out

If you didn’t already think Fulham were right in the mix for this relegation scrap, you should now. Muniz being ruled out leaves Silva even shorter up front. Raul Jimenez and loanee youngster Jonah Kusi-Asare are his only actual ‘No.9’ options.

They weren’t good when they scraped past us with an own goal, and have an identical record to us. We are already looking over our shoulders at the bottom three. And, the reaction from Fulham fans below the confirmed update says everything.

Ongoing tensions between Silva and the board at Craven Cottage won’t be helping either. It sets up that game in January as absolutely huge for Leeds.

Read more: Leeds United must be alerted to Fulham’s worrying Marco Silva position…