Daniel Farke was forced to take drastic action midway through the first half against Sunderland as Leeds United’s Joe Rodon suffered an injury.
Joe Rodon has been ever-present for Leeds in recent years, forming the cornerstone of their defence under Daniel Farke.
Rodon was forced to limp off midway through the first half after taking two heavy tackles that left him unable to continue, which means he is a major doubt for Leeds’ upcoming games.
However, Farke’s response could mean the end for one peripheral figure at Elland Road, as he elected to change his approach early on in the crucial Premier League encounter.
Agree or disagree – Joe Rodon is the last player Leeds United could afford to lose to injury 🤕
The centre back limped off midway through the first half against Sunderland
Leeds United substitution shows Daniel Farke does not trust summer signing
When Leeds defender Rodon was receiving treatment for his second ankle knock, it appeared that Sebastiaan Bornauw was about to get the chance he had been waiting for.
Bornauw has played just two minutes of Premier League football so far this season, according to FotMob, in part due to Rodon’s resilience.
The Belgian defender was seen warming up in the background as the Welshman was down; however, Farke elected to replace Rodon with Japanese midfielder Ao Tanaka instead, and switch Leeds to a 4-1-4-1, rather than sticking with the 3-5-2 that has served his side so well in recent weeks.
Bornauw will almost certainly be frustrated at this seeming snub from Farke. Despite having only joined Leeds in the summer, his future at the club is now surely in doubt, having been overlooked when he appeared to be the natural replacement for Rodon.
Sebastiaan Bornauw snub adds weight to transfer rumours
Although Leeds will be pleased to have pulled the game back level through a “magic” goal from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Bornauw will have been left with a sour taste in his mouth.
Farke’s decision also adds weight to the rumours that the Belgian could leave the club in the January transfer window, with opportunities to force his way into the Leeds side limited.
Who was your MOTM for Leeds against Sunderland? 🤔
Some excellent performances again.
Bornauw has been linked with a return to FC Koln, with the German side keen to strengthen their options in defence in the second half of the season.
With Leeds linked with RB Leipzig’s El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Bornauw overlooked once again, it looks like his short time at Elland Road could be coming to an end.
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