While nine Leeds United stars jet out for international duty in September, seven players have missed out and not all of them due to injury.
Leeds United have enjoyed a decent start on their return to the Premier League, picking up four points from a tricky run of three opening fixtures.
However, top-flight survival got even tougher after a disastrous deadline day in which Leeds failed to bring in any more attacking firepower.
Daniel Farke had repeatedly warned his side needed more quality in forward areas to have a hope of staying up, so a long season could be in store.
The international break offers the chance for Farke to contemplate the squad he’s been left with, while nine Leeds players go off to play for their countries.
Seven regular internationals will be staying at home, though.
- Leeds United Premier League 2025-26 stats – Top goal scorers, assists and results
Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu – Wales
Captain Ethan Ampadu has missed the last three games due to a knee injury, but will hopefully be back to face Fulham in a big game after the break.
He hasn’t made the Wales squad as a result, though the other four members of the Welsh contingent, Dan James, Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow and Charlie Crew, did.
Rodon, however, had to pull out late on and hasn’t made the long trip to Kazakhstan as he is following concussion protocols. He should be fine to play against the Cottagers.
Ao Tanaka – Japan
Crucial midfielder Ao Tanaka is also suffering knee issues, having injured his MCL.
It isn’t thought to be too serious, though, and Farke did hope he’d be back after the international break like Ampadu. He won’t be playing for Japan this month, though.
Noah Okafor – Switzerland
It was a full debut to forget for Noah Okafor when he put in a sluggish display as Leeds crashed out of the Carabao Cup to Sheffield Wednesday.
The new forward then missed the goalless draw with Newcastle with a minor injury and hasn’t been called up to the Switzerland squad to link up with Isaac Schmidt this month. He, too, should be fine for Fulham.
Brenden Aaronson – USA
Unlike the previous four names, Brenden Aaronson hasn’t been called up to the USMNT due to his form, not a knock.
Usually a sure bet to be called up, Aaronson has seen his place in the US squad questioned by new manager Mauricio Pochettino, who dropped him for fixtures in March.
Aaronson was back in the squad this summer for the Gold Cup, scoring in the group stages and coming on late in the final defeat to Mexico.
However, he is now out of the squad again for the USA’s friendlies against South Korea and Japan.
Willy Gnonto – Italy U21s
Willy Gnonto played for Italy Under-21s in this past summer’s European Championship and made headlines when he was sent off in the Azzurri’s dramatic quarter-final exit to Germany.
He hasn’t earned a spot in the squad for their upcoming qualifiers for the next Euros or the senior squad.
Sebastiaan Bornauw – Belgium
New centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw has four caps for Belgium and last made a squad in 2024, but never came off the bench. His last cap was in 2023 and he’ll be hoping strong displays in the Premier League get him back in the side.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
