Leeds United defender Connor Roberts limped out of Wales’ penalty shootout defeat to Poland with an injury last night.
Leeds’ Welsh quartet saw their dreams of qualifying for the upcoming European Championships in Germany ended with Dan James missing the decisive spot-kick for Rob Page’s side.
Daniel Farke could not really have asked for a worse outcome from the game, with Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon both playing 120 minutes and James likely to be distraught after his penalty.
But most frustratingly of all will have been the injury Roberts picked up, which forced him to replaced six minutes before the end of normal time.
Roberts had some pretty heavy strapping to his right knee all night and so clearly it was an issue he had been struggling with in the build-up, but given the importance of the game, he was never going to miss out.
Farke is likely to provide an update on Roberts in his press conference later today but in truth, it would be a surprise if he knew the extent of it at this stage given the short turnaround.
Journalist shares update on Leeds star Connor Roberts’ injury
While Farke may not yet know how long Roberts will be out for, journalist Phil Cadden has shared some sort of update on why the 28-year-old had to be replaced.
Roberts is said to have picked up a thigh injury, though it remains to be seen whether that is muscular or as a result of a knock.
Leeds will certainly be hoping it is the latter as that is likely to keep him out for less time than either a strain or tear, and any prolonged absence now would see a player miss the majority of the end of the season.
Roberts has actually only started one match in the league since joining from Burnley on deadline day but his impact off the bench in matches has been significant and Leeds will not want to lose him for long.
He scored the equaliser that kick started the incredible comeback victory over Leicester City, and also provided the assist for Patrick Bamford to earn a point at Huddersfield Town.
Predicted Leeds XI to face Watford
Farke is certainly looking a little short at full-back heading into Watford on Friday if Roberts is indeed unable to recover in time.
Junior Firpo is also almost certain to miss out having still been in action for the Dominican Republic all the way over in Peru during the early hours of this morning.
Providing he is fit, Sam Byram is practically nailed onto start at left-back, with Archie Gray on the other flank after his exploits with England U21s. Beyond that, there isn’t much depth.
Georginio Rutter is another who will be facing a fight to be fit after undergoing minor surgery on a hernia last week.
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