Joe Rodon is among the many Leeds United players currently away on international duty.
Rodon has not been at his best since returning to Elland Road on a permanent deal in the summer but was certainly somewhere close to that in the 2-2 draw at Sunderland last week.
Daniel Farke will be keeping everything crossed Rodon returns to Leeds with a clean bill of health, with the Whites boss’ central defensive options down to the barebones.
Max Wober and Ethan Ampadu both face a number of weeks on the sidelines and so if Rodon was to miss a period of matches, youngster James Debayo is the only other potential option.
Rodon and his Wales international teammates face matches against Iceland and Montenegro over the next five days.
Rodon praises Leeds teammate Karl Darlow
At one stage last year, Leeds had as many as four players in the Wales squad. Connor Roberts, Dan James and Ampadu were all in there alongside Rodon.
With Roberts now back at Burnley, and both Ampadu and James out injured, Rodon is the only Leeds outfield player in Craig Bellamy’s side for this international break.
However, Rodon has been joined by a different Leeds teammate in the last two camps, with number two goalkeeper Karl Darlow committing his international allegiance to Wales earlier this season.
Darlow impressed on his Wales debut in the previous international camp and will now be hoping to win his second and third caps over the coming days.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of Friday’s trip to Iceland, Rodon was asked about the process of Darlow becoming an international as well as club teammate, with the Leeds defender speaking of how pleased he is to have him on board.
He said: “He signed for Leeds just before me and we were staying in the same hotel. We went for dinner one night and I said, ‘I’m sure you can play for Wales’.
“To be fair, he didn’t turn it down. I think he was a bit shocked that I knew. I know his qualities working with him every day. He’s only going to benefit the group and add to the level.
“We’ve had a good start but that’s kind of gone for us now. We want to build and improve as a group. So we’re looking forward to the game on Friday and hopefully we can continue our momentum and keep getting better.”
- READ MORE: Patrick Bamford says what he really thinks of the players Daniel Farke signed for Leeds last summer
Darlow to push Illan Meslier for Leeds place
It will be interesting to see in the coming weeks how close Darlow is to dislodging Illan Meslier as Leeds’ number one.
Meslier made a horrific stoppage time error at Sunderland last time out and it is going to take some serious mental strength to bounce back from that.
Meslier has shown in the past how confidence levels can affect his performances and if mistakes continue, Farke cannot afford to keep persisting with him.
If Farke does decide to make a change, then Darlow will be waiting in the wings for his opportunity, with Wales the ideal chance to platform his ability.
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