NafisaLeeds United’s preparations for the new Premier League campaign have suffered another unexpected setback, just as optimism around Daniel Farke’s squad was beginning to build.
After weeks dominated by transfer speculation, James Trafford’s impending arrival and excitement over new additions, attention has suddenly shifted to an issue that nobody at Elland Road wanted to see emerge at such a crucial stage of pre-season.
With the opening fixture edging closer, the Whites now find themselves weighing up whether further reinforcements are required after one of Farke’s most trusted performers was dealt another frustrating fitness setback.
The timing could hardly be worse.
Leeds have worked hard throughout the summer to strengthen key positions, but this latest development threatens to create another problem the club may now be forced to solve before the transfer window closes.
Only after concerns began to grow did the identity of the player at the centre of the setback become clear.
Sweden international Gabriel Gudmundsson has confirmed he suffered another hamstring injury after being forced off during Leeds United’s 4-2 pre-season victory over Liverpool in Chicago.
The left-back had only recently returned from injury after missing the closing weeks of last season before recovering in time to represent Sweden at the World Cup.
Unfortunately, his comeback has been interrupted once again.
Speaking to Swedish outlet Sportbladet, Gudmundsson admitted the situation has left him deeply disappointed.
“It was a little feeling, so we’ll see.”
He also confirmed the problem affects the opposite hamstring to the one that troubled him previously.
“I’m sad.”
Gudmundsson will now return to England where Leeds’ medical staff will carry out scans to determine the full extent of the injury and whether he could miss the start of the new Premier League season.
The setback has immediately reignited questions over Leeds’ squad depth at left-back.
James Justin remains the obvious senior replacement and filled in impressively on several occasions last season. However, the former Leicester City defender is naturally more comfortable operating on the right side or centrally, meaning Leeds could lose some attacking balance if Gudmundsson is sidelined for an extended period.
Highly-rated youngster Jayden Lienou is also pushing for greater first-team involvement after impressing during pre-season, with Daniel Farke increasingly trusting the academy graduate.
Even so, Leeds may now be forced to accelerate their search for another defensive option before the transfer window closes if Gudmundsson’s injury proves more serious than first feared.
The Whites are hopeful the scans will deliver positive news, especially with less than three weeks remaining before the Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest.
After a productive summer that has seen Leeds strengthen several key areas, the club will now anxiously await the medical verdict, hoping this latest injury scare doesn’t derail their momentum just as preparations enter their most important phase.
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