New Leeds United player sidelined for next two weeks with injury as Daniel Farke concerns realised

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Tuesday afternoon’s friendly against third-tier German side SC Verl saw four players that are currently present in Germany missing from Daniel Farke’s Leeds United squad.

Of course, Patrick Bamford has not travelled while Mateo Joseph has told Daniel Farke he wants to leave. Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Darko Gyabi have not been included in the squad to go to Germany.

Anton Stach’s signing from Hoffenheim came too late in being granted FIFA approval, and that meant he could play no part in the 4-1 victory. Brenden Aaronson only arrived in Germany on Tuesday morning.

Aaronson had been given extended leave, having helped the United States reach the Gold Cup final, which they lost to Mexico. Then, Isaac Schmidt was also watching on from the stands due to a calf issue.

Schmidt has spent the entirety of the Germany camp training by himself, as he undergoes rehabilitation on a calf injury. The other missing player was new signing Sebastiaan Bornauw, and the reason is clear.

• READ MORE: The eight Leeds players that could still leave permanently before the deadline

Why Sebastiaan Bornauw was missing for Leeds on Tuesday

A £5m signing from Wolfsburg, Bornauw suffered three injuries last season. A muscle injury, a foot knock and a bone edema limited the Belgium international to just 16 appearances for Wolfsburg in 2024-25.

When Bornauw’s arrival was confirmed, Leeds fans were concerned about his injury record. Farke will have been slightly worried, too. Now, those concerns have come to light with Bornauw picking up an injury.

Bornauw left training early on Monday, speaking with the medical staff after he left training. Now, Beren Cross reports on The Athletic that Bornauw has picked up a thigh strain and could miss the next fortnight.

Sebastiaan Bornauw’s pre-season interrupted after bright start

Bornauw impressed when he came off the bench at half-time against Man United. But the £5m arrival, largely seen as Max Wober’s replacement with the Austrian loaned to Werder Bremen, is now injured.

The official news is that Bornauw will be missing for between a week or two. If it is the full whack, and Leeds are likely to be cautious during pre-season, it means Bornauw may only be available for AC Milan.

Leeds face another German side on Saturday before taking on Villarreal at Elland Road on August 2. With Jaka Bijol suspended to take on Everton, Bornauw’s chances of starting have diminished by some degree.