Leeds United have been handed a timely pause by the international break, with the window allowing two of the club’s established squad members to continue their recoveries. Joe Rodon, sidelined with a hamstring problem picked up earlier in the season against Brentford, and Harry Wilson, out with a quad injury sustained ahead of the Crystal Palace match, can focus on returning to full fitness without the immediate pressure of fixtures.
Selection issues on Rodon’s return
Rodon’s likely availability when the squad reconvenes, however, creates what has been described as a “brutal dilemma” for the manager. In the Welsh defender’s absence, James Justin has occupied a hybrid role on the right of a back three and produced several eye-catching performances. His versatility — tucking into a three-man defence when Leeds are out of possession and shifting to a more conventional right-back position when the team attacks — has been a defining feature of the side’s shape recently.
- Rodon: Sustained a hamstring injury against Brentford and has been recovering during the international break.
- Justin: Arrived last summer for £10 million and has impressed in the wide centre-back/right-back hybrid role, contributing both defensively and in attack.
- Wilson: Out with a quad issue and benefiting from the break to recuperate.
The tactical demands of the role are complex. When Leeds do not have the ball, Justin pushes inside to become a third centre-back while wing-back Jayden Bogle covers the right flank. In possession, Justin shuffles out to provide overlapping width and, crucially, has the licence to deliver crosses — a notable attacking weapon that has materially affected recent matches.
Contributions that matter
Justin’s attacking deliveries have directly influenced Leeds’ goals: against Newcastle, a cross from Justin was headed in by Dominic Calvert-Lewin. In the subsequent Crystal Palace fixture he provided another inviting cross that might have been converted had the finishing been different. Those moments underline why observers are cautious about displacing him while he is performing strongly.
"He simply cannot be dropped whilst he’s in this form,"
That assessment points to the selection dilemma facing Daniel Farke, who is known to hold Rodon in high regard. When both are fit, the manager will have to weigh Rodon’s proven ability in the system against Justin’s current form and the additional attacking dimension he provides from the right side.
| Player | Situation |
|---|---|
| Joe Rodon | Recovering from hamstring injury; likely competition for place on return |
| James Justin | Established in hybrid wide centre-back/right-back role; signed for £10m last summer |
| Harry Wilson | Out with quad injury; using international break for recovery |
The choice is not purely binary. The report suggests Nico Elvedi could be the player to make way should Rodon return to fitness, an indication of how the manager might reconfigure his centre-back options rather than dropping Justin directly. Any decision will hinge on match-specific considerations: the opponent, whether Leeds expect to dominate possession, and the defensive profile required on the day.
For supporters at Elland Road, the issue will be watched closely. Justin’s form since arriving for the reported £10m fee has endeared him to many, especially given his contributions in open play and his crossing ability that offers a distinct attacking outlet. At the same time, Rodon’s reputation within the squad and his previous performances mean his return will be welcomed, even if it complicates team selection.
As Leeds prepare to resume their season, the manager’s choices across the defensive unit will be among the most interesting tactical puzzles to follow. The international break has bought time for recovery; it has also given a promising newcomer the platform to stake a claim.
