Leeds United head into Friday’s home clash with Burnley facing significant injury concerns after Daniel Farke ruled out Gabi Gudmundsson and cast doubt over both Jaka Bijol and Noah Okafor.
Leeds know the equation ahead of Burnley, with three points likely enough to secure Premier League survival and remove any late pressure. A draw could also prove sufficient depending on other results.
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Three will surely be enough!
Defeat, however, would reopen the battle and allow Tottenham, West Ham and Nottingham Forest to close the gap, dragging Leeds back into the fight heading into the final fixtures.
Farke confirms Gudmundsson blow and fresh doubts
Farke confirmed Gudmundsson will miss the game after suffering a hamstring injury during the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea on Sunday. It is expected to keep him out beyond Friday.
Farke said, on Gudmundsson: “Hamstring injury, bit of a serious one. He will miss Friday, and probably the Tottenham game and then we will have to see.
“We will try to bring him back as quickly as possible especially at this stage of the season. But as it stands, we will have to play the next two games without him.”
There are also concerns over both Bijol and Okafor, with neither guaranteed to be available. It sees Farke possibly without three of his summer signings, with Ilia Gruev already ruled out until this season.
Farke said: “There are question marks. Okafor got a hit against his calf, there is a question mark behind his availability. Bijol is dealing with problems with his hip flexor. I hope to have them but I can’t tell you now.”
How Leeds could line up without Gudmundsson, Bijol and Okafor
Gudmundsson’s absence removes a key option on the left side and forces a reshuffle in both defensive shape and balance. His injury comes at a point in the season where continuity has been critical.
Uncertainty around Bijol and Okafor adds further disruption, with Leeds potentially needing to adjust both their defensive unit and attacking structure for a game that carries major consequences.
Leeds are expected to bring Justin in on the left to replace Gudmundsson, maintaining width while adjusting the balance of the side. Justin has often replaced Gudmundsson when the Swede is out.
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Sebastiaan Bornauw could come into the right side of the back three, while Rodon would be a direct replacement for Bijol. In attack, either Lukas Nmecha or Willy Gnonto could come if Okafor misses out.
Leeds remain in control of their situation heading into Burnley, but Farke will need to manage key absences carefully in a match that could define their season.
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