Key absences and potential returns shape Leeds United squad for Amex test
Leeds United head into Saturday's Premier League fixture at Brighton & Hove Albion without one of their central defensive options, while another midfielder edges closer to a comeback. Manager Daniel Farke confirmed concerns over Joe Rodon's fitness after the defender was forced off early in the draw with Brentford, and Ilia Gruev is being carefully reintroduced after a lengthy lay-off.
Rodon, who withdrew after 34 minutes at Brentford, is out of contention for the trip to the Amex following post-match comments from the manager that the hamstring injury "could keep the centre-back out for a long time." That admission makes him unavailable for selection at Brighton and leaves uncertainty over how long he will be sidelined.
"[The injury] could keep the centre-back out for a long time."
Gruev, by contrast, has made visible progress. The midfielder, who suffered a knee injury in April, is fully back in training and coaches are managing his reintegration into team work. The club lists his status as a major doubt but indicates he may be fit to feature from 5 September, the date of the Brighton game.
Forward Mateo Joseph remains unavailable after sustaining a knee injury while on loan at Mallorca in April; his recovery is longer term and he is not expected to return until 2027. Leeds have no players suspended for the trip to the south coast.
Squad implications and immediate questions
The absence of Rodon reduces Farke's options at centre-back and will require tactical adjustments or reliance on other squad members to cover the position. While the head coach's cautious approach to Gruev suggests a short-term gamble could pay off, the management is clearly prioritising player welfare with a careful reintroduction to team training.
Supporters travelling to the Amex will watch team news closely for confirmation of Gruev's availability. Brighton have started the season brightly in attack, meaning Leeds will want defensive solidity coupled with the creative spark Gruev can provide if he is passed fit to play.
- Joe Rodon — Status: Out; Injury: Hamstring; Possible return: Unknown
- Ilia Gruev — Status: Major doubt; Injury: Knee; Possible return: 5 September (Brighton)
- Mateo Joseph — Status: Out; Injury: Knee; Possible return: 2027
- Suspensions: None for the Brighton trip
| Player | Status | Injury | Projected return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Rodon | Out | Hamstring | Unknown |
| Ilia Gruev | Major doubt | Knee | 5 Sep (vs Brighton) |
| Mateo Joseph | Out | Knee | 2027 |
Leeds' opening two Premier League matches have yielded draws against Nottingham Forest and Brentford, with the team yet to score more than one goal in a game but remaining unbeaten. Brighton, meanwhile, have begun the campaign in attack-minded fashion and are among the higher-scoring sides after two rounds.
Farke faces the task of setting a side that preserves Leeds' unbeaten start while coping without a central defender who could be absent for an extended period. The managed return of Gruev offers a potential boost in midfield but must be balanced against the risk of re-aggravation.
What supporters should watch
Team news before Saturday will centre on Gruev's involvement and confirmation on the extent of Rodon's hamstring problem. If Gruev is cleared, his presence could influence formation and midfield roles; if not, Farke will need to deploy alternatives from a squad already stretched by injury.
Beyond the immediate selection puzzle, the club must manage fitness across the squad as a busy season takes shape. Early-season injuries can have a ripple effect through planning, transfers and reliance on younger players as cover.
For now, Leeds travels south with questions over their defensive depth and guarded optimism over a midfield reintegration — a combination that will shape how the club approaches what promises to be a stern test at the Amex.
