It doesn’t feel like a long time since the September international break came to an end, but already the October international break is upon us and a handful of Leeds United players will jet off.
Leeds take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Friday night, which sees the Championship’s early pace-setters host Daniel Farke’s fifth-placed side on Wearside. Leeds have a whole host of injury issues.
Ethan Ampadu has been ruled out until January, while Ilia Gruev could join him depending on the injury he picked up against Norwich City on Tuesday. Dan James, Max Wober and Manor Solomon are injured.
Isaac Schmidt may return in time for Friday but there is unlikely to be any rush with Schmidt given he is not currently starting. It feels like a tall order for Leeds as things stand, going into the October break.
Following the clash against Sunderland, Leeds’ international players will jet off and represent their nations over the next fortnight. One of those has already been selected by his new manager, Mauricio Pochettino.
Mauricio Pochettino decision on Leeds ace Brenden Aaronson
Pochettino is preparing for his new job as USA manager, with friendlies lined-up against Panama and then Mexico on October 13 and October 16. He watched Brenden Aaronson in the last break from the stands.
Aaronson started both games, and has started Leeds’ last six Championship games. This season, he has had a hand in three goals and Daniel Farke described Aaronson as “unbelievable” earlier in the week.
On Wednesday, former Tottenham, Chelsea and PSG manager Pochettino picked his first squad as USA manager and Aaronson was included. Aaronson looks set to go and win his 45th and 46th cap for USA.
Aaronson’s importance at Leeds is growing bigger every game
With attackers like James and Solomon out injured, and the club’s inability to sign a new no.10, Aaronson is one of the first names on the team sheet at the moment and his performances are impressing Farke.
Aaronson’s stats for Leeds during 2024-25:
- Shots 14, four on target, four blocked, six off target
- 12/30 attempted dribbles
- 18 unsuccessful touches, dispossessed 25 times
- 192/231 passes completed
- 2 goals, 1 assist, 8 key passes
It is remarkable difference since the initial backlash from Farke opting to bring Aaronson into his squad. Right now, it is looking like an inspired decision even if Aaronson’s stats are pretty unremarkable.
Leeds will hope Aaronson stays fit for the long trip to Texas, especially with USA’s game against Mexico taking place in the early hours of October 16, and Leeds facing Sheffield United on October 18.
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