The 26-year-old’s fitness will determine whether Leeds United wins their match against Leicester City on Friday.
Joe Rodon’s fitness is critical for Leeds United halting Leicester City’s surge at the top of the Championship table.
Leeds United face the toughest test of their promotion credentials so far later this week, as they travel to the King Power Stadium to take on runaway league leaders Leicester City.
Though Leeds are third to Leicester’s first, there is a massive 14 points between the two sides, which is testament to the frankly astonishing start that Leicester has made to proceedings this year. There may not have been much between the two teams last year as both were relegated from the Premier League, but this season the Foxes have opened up a chasm to most of the division.
So, getting something for Leeds this Friday night will be a difficult ask, and if Joe Rodon is not fit, the task will become even more difficult.
The 26-year-old Rodon had to hobble off during the victory over Huddersfield Town and was replaced by Liam Cooper.
Nevertheless, manager Daniel Farke expressed cautious optimism to the media following the match that he might still be able to play.
According to Leeds Live, he stated: “I had to take Joe Rodon out because of the workload, but he felt something in his hamstring, not an injury.
“I don’t think it’s a serious injury, and Joe didn’t want to take any chances. We should lighten the load a little over the next day or two so that we have a little extra time before our Friday night performance.
“Joe should be available, but we’ll have to wait and see. I’m optimistic and quietly confident.”
Leeds may suffer a serious blow if Rodon is absent.
Farke is still optimistic, though it will raise questions if Rodon is unable to play against Leicester.
In the current campaign, Rodon has been among Leeds’ best players. He has been a reliable, strong presence in the middle of the defense, bringing out the best in Pascal Struijk at left center-back and covering right-back, which has been a bit of a problem position for the Whites.
As per Whoscored.com, Rodon ranks first amongst Leeds’ centre-backs for blocks, clearances and interceptions so far this season.
With Liam Cooper entering the game and changing the dynamic in the back four, Struijk’s absence has been felt greatly. With two left-footed center backs, Leeds’ build-up is hindered and his progressive passing is less effective at right center-back.
Indeed, we witnessed firsthand what losing Rodon can do to the Whites when they play Southampton and Cardiff City (before Rodon signed). At St Mary’s, Southampton outscored the Whites three times in 45 minutes, while they conceded twice badly against Cardiff.
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Although Cooper scored a goal for the Whites early in the season, Struijk’s substitution and Charlie Cresswell’s substitution changed the tide of the match and gave Cardiff the opportunity to draw 2-2 with the Whites. The St. Mary’s team won 3-1 against Southampton because they got off to a quick start and never looked back.
Naturally, Cooper cannot take full responsibility for this, but it does demonstrate how much Rodon’s absence affects the defense and its rhythm.
The supporters of the Whites will therefore be hoping that Farke’s optimism will pay off against a team as strong as Leicester.
