Leeds will have to cope without Joe Rodon for at least three weeks.
The Wales international damaged his ankle ligament after two rough challenges during the 1-1 draw at Sunderland, forcing him off after just 31 minutes and leaving Daniel Farke without an inspirational figure at the back.
When asked in his press conference how he plans to cope without Joe Rodon in January, the German shared an interesting response for Leeds fans to digest.
Daniel Farke hints James Justin could now play at centre-back for Leeds
The 49-year-old named James Justin, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Sam Byram as options capable of stepping in for the Welshman.
Joe Rodon is the last player Leeds would have wanted to get injured – Discuss 🗣️
Daniel Farke has confimed he will miss the trip to Liverpool.
Farke said: “Of course it would be beneficial to have all my centre-back options available, and Joe was an integral part – not just of this season but years for us, and knows exactly how we want to play. Of course I would prefer to have him available… (but) we have other players who could also play in this position.
“Sebastiaan Bornauw is one of them. Sam Byram is a player who has played centre-back. James Justin can play in the back three, so I still think we have enough options.”
Justin was signed as a full-back to primarily offer cover for Jayden Bogle on the right, making five appearances in that area as well as two at left-back.
However, the £10m summer signing from Leicester is yet to feature as a central defender for Leeds, so it would be a brand new development if Farke thrust him into the starting XI to replace Rodon.
Sam Byram could salvage his Leeds United career if given the chance by Daniel Farke
As things stand, the aforementioned Byram has only played seven minutes of Premier League football so far this season, and is highly likely to leave when his contract expires on 1st July.
How would you line-up at Liverpool without Joe Rodon? 🤕
Would you stick with 3-5-2 or switch formation?
However, it should encourage the Leeds academy graduate to hear his name mentioned by Farke, and if he does receive a rare opportunity, he has the chance to earn a contract extension by performing well.
Rodon recently suggested Byram remains dedicated at Leeds and focused on ensuring he is in the best possible shape despite a lack of playing time this season, which bodes well if Farke does opt to throw him into a back three alongside Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk.
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